With our name
ZeruZeru Simama Sasa!
we are saying:
"People with Albinism Stand Up Now"
"Stop Prejudice Against People with Albinism Now!"
ZeruZeru, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working towards securing human rights for people with albinism in Tanzania. To accomplish this goal, we are providing nutrition, healthcare, education, daily care, safety, and advocacy for children with albinism. Scroll down to learn more about how we are protecting and fighting for the rights of people with albinism.
SAFETY
One of ZeruZeru's main goals is to provide a safe environment for children with albinism to live. In Tanzania, people with albinism are hunted, mutilated, and killed for their body parts. With secure walls, constant supervision, and police support, the center is currently able to provide a safe home year-round for up to 100 children.
HEALTHCARE
Because of their condition, people with albinism are at a greater risk for severe burns from the sun, skin cancer, and vision problems. Through generous donations, the center provides preventative health measures such as sunscreen, protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. These items can be very costly in Tanzania, but for people with albinism, they are a daily necessity.
education
Many children with albinism are not able to attend school because it is not safe, because the schools or families will not let them, or because vision problems prevent their success. We ensure that the children are able to attend local schools that provide a good education and a safe environment. All of our children attend school and are doing exceptionally well in their classes!
sustainability
ZeruZeru is working to provide a self-sustaining and environmentally-friendly campus through organic gardening, solar power, and our own well. We have supported the planting of gardens for vegetables, fields for corn and rice, and animals like cows, goats, and chickens to support nutritional needs. These costs are expensive upfront, but in the long run, will be cost-effective and better for the environment.
family
Between the health risks and the fear of being hunted, Tanzanian children with albinism live difficult lives. At ZeruZeru Simama Sasa, we believe one of the most important things we can provide to the children is a loving, trusting family. With over 70 children in care, each child has caring siblings and friends. They are all cared for by Sister Helena Ntambulwa, the Director of the Center and her staff. Furthermore, the children's parents are encouraged to remain a part of their child's life, with the center holding visitor's days every weekend and allowing the children to return home over winter and summer break if it is deemed safe.
advocacy
how we do it
ZeruZeru hopes to see an end to the discrimination and fear that people with albinism face. The best solution to ending prejudice is through education, which is why we advocate for people with albinism from community to international levels. In Tanzania and the US, we give educational presentations to local communities about albinism and the issues surrounding the condition. We have also worked with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and we are registered with the iSCO System through the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Saving lives is not an individual effort! With community, NGO, and international donations and support, we are able to continue caring for and representing people with albinism. We could not do what we do without all the support and donations we receive. And you can help! Donate today and help save lives!
