Sierra Leone Albinism Foundation
Sierra Leone Albinism Foundation (SLAFo) is a non-government, non- political non- ethnic and not for profit making organization that protect and promote the welfare and well-being of Persons With Albinism (PWA) In Sierra Leone (this covers children, youths and the aged).
SLAFo was established in 2017 and it has it head office at 49 Circular Road in Freetown, which is the capital city of Sierra Leone. The organization has regional networks in Kenema (Eastern region of the country), Bo (the southern region of the country), Moyamba (the southern region of the country), Makeni (the northern region of the country), Port Loko (the northern region of the country) and Kambia (the northern region of the country).
SLAFo is registered with the Ministry of Social Welfare (the ministry charged with the responsibility by government of looking after such organizations), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (the commission set up by the government to handle the issues of individuals with disabilities and their organizations), Sierra Leone Union on Disability issues (the umbrella body for all disable groups in the country) and other like-minded disabled organizations.
The overall goal of SLAFo is to improve the living standard living of persons with albinism throughout Sierra Leone so that they live and enjoy their human rights in society just like any other class or group of people.
History
The Sierra Leone Albinism Foundation is a non-political, non- religious, non- ethnic, non-regional and not for profit making organization that protects and promote the welfare and well being of persons with albinism throughout Sierra Leone.
It was established in October 2017 and became a formally registered organization with the necessary ministries, commissions and agencies in 2018.
The Sierra Leone Albinism Foundation is the leading albinism groups in the country. It was started by four (4) persons with albinism (3 gentlemen and a lady), and two other people with dark skin (a gentleman and a lady). The idea of forming SLAFo came about as a result of the discrimination and marginalization faced by persons with albinism in their families, communities, schools, offices, business places etc. Also, this was taken more seriously when there were news all over the media that PWA were been killed and their body parts used for rituals, as people believe that the body parts of PWA have some magical powers. At the start, it was a serious challenge in trying to change the perception of people without any funding source which should aid in our advocacy work. As we continue in our advocacy, we came in contact with the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), which is transforming to the Open Society Foundation for Africa (OSF- Africa). OSIWA supported us with the sum of fifty thousand United States dollars ($ 50,000) under the project titled “promoting the human rights of persons with albinism in Sierra Leone”. However, since we were not formally structured and the lack of required capacity to manage the funds, OSIWA then contacted the Lady Ellen women’s Aid foundation (A well known organization focusing on women and girls in Sierra Leone) to manage the funds while we implement the project. One of the key activities under that project was to commission a nationwide research on albinism issues throughout Sierra Leone. The research was carried out and the report launched in Freetown on 28th October 2018. It was that launching that triggered other albinism groups in the country. After the complexion of that project, OSIWA also funded us with sixty- nine thousand four hundred and fifty eight United States dollars ($ 69,458) under the project titled “Building a Resilient Albinism Network for Development in Sierra Leone” (BRAND-SL). That funding enabled us to strengthen our capacity, set up our structured secretariat and also employed PWA and non-PWA to work at the secretariat. After the completion of the project, OSIWA also supported us with a tie off grant of one hundred thousand United States dollars ($100,000) to strengthen our organization and advocates for PWA In the country.
SLAFo is not only known and recognized within Sierra Leone, but we are also a member of international groups such as; Global Albinism alliance (GAA), Africa Albinism Alliance (AAA) etc.
STRATEGIES
- Capacity Building
- Awareness Raising
- Advocacy
- Networking
- Engagement
VISION
SLAFo envisions inclusive societies where persons with albinism are part of the national development dialogue.
MISSION
Protecting and Promoting the human rights and welfare of persons with albinism in Sierra Leone.
OVERALL GOAL
The overall goal is to strengthen the albinism network in Sierra Leone, thereby raising the profile of persons with albinism in the country.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mr. Mohamed Sahid Kamara (chairman)
Pst Kelfala. K. Kamara (member)
Mr Brima Bah (member)
Mrs Elizabeth. I. Davies (member)
Mrs Aminata. F. Massaquoi (member)
Pst Osman.B. Sesay (secretary)
Objectives
- No discrimination
- Equal opportunity for all
- Respect for and acceptance of PWA as part of human diversity and humanity.
- CAPACITY BUILDING: Enhancing the capacity of regional support network of persons with albinism in Sierra Leone for their participation and inclusion in decision making processes.
- PARTNERSHIP: To Work in partnership with communities, relevant civil society organisations and government institutions to ensure a “Joined-up” response to advocate for the right of persons with Albinismsand address the primary concerns and needs of the most vulnerable in communities
- SEEKING SUPPORT: To facilitate linkages of SLAFo to other national and international organization and networks working to promote and protect the rights and wellbeing of persons with the condition.
- SEEKINIG WELFARE and WELBEING: To employ opportunities that seeks to support the welfare and wellbeing of person with albinism especially on areas of education, health, employment, social inclusion etc
- ADOVACY: To lead advocacy efforts both at national and international levels
Impacts
As a result of the outreach activities and the persistent advocacy of the SLAFo team we are happy to say:
- PWA are now seen as part of the disability community and can now claim the right that is due them.
- PWA now experience less discrimination and marginalization compare to before.
- PWA are now coming out of their hiding places and feel free as other human beings.
- PWA now have a place where they can find solace (SLAFo) in the case when the unfortunate happens.
- school authorities now have better ideas on how to deal with PWA children in their schools and this has boost performance level
Values
- Self-determination: This underpins once aspiration to thrive in life. Therefore, SLAFo will work actively to encourage and nurture the spirit of self-determination amongst its membership.
- Respect: SLAFo recognizes the innate dignity and worth of all people and will therefore always respects the opinions, experiences and privacy of our beneficiaries, staff, stakeholders and partners.
- Confidentiality: SLAFo Confidentiality policy guarantee our beneficiaries that any details or information they share with SLAFo will remain in the strictest confidence. Unless otherwise, where SLAFo and the beneficiary have determine an additional support and protections from other professional individual and organization.
- Attitudes: SLAFo‘attitudinal value’ is based on three principles. These include: non-judgemental, non-discriminatory and stereotyping. SLAFo shall operate a Zero tolerance policy on these principles.
- Equal Opportunity and Diversity: SLAFo is committed to the principles of equal opportunities and to achieving diversity within its capacity as both an Employer and Services Provider. This will ensure a wider representation of its staff and partners in line with the need of its beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries.
- Honesty and Transparency:This requires SLAFo to be honest and accountable to our beneficiaries and our work with communities, Civil Societies organizations, humanitarian Aid agencies and relevant Government institutions.
- Commitments and interest: SLAFo as an organization has zero tolerance on insubordination of individual interest to the entire interest of the organization. This means, that a member’s interest must not affect the purpose for which the association is formed.
Become a Member
Join us for a better life and beautiful future
The Foundation is calling on all Persons with Albinism to come out of their hiding place so that they can reach their full potential.