OAM FOUNDATION Empowering Lives with Onome Akinlolu Majaro Foundation

By Bem Abubakar

The Onome Akinlolu Majaro Foundation is dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of albinism in Nigeria. The foundation strives to eliminate discrimination against individuals living with albinism and enhance their overall well-being. Through education and advocacy, the foundation aims to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding albinism, empowering those affected to live fulfilling lives without fear of prejudice or harm.

The OAM Foundation acknowledges that much of the discrimination faced by individuals with albinism is rooted in ignorance and traditional beliefs, and seeks to address these issues through its initiatives. Onome Akinlolu Majaro Foundation promotes understanding and acceptance of albinism, dispels myths surrounding the condition, and promotes inclusivity for individuals with albinism. Through awareness campaigns, advocacy efforts, and support services, this foundation creates a society where people with albinism are appreciated and treated with respect. By working relentlessly to achieve this vision, the foundation envisions a world where individuals with albinism can live confidently, free from discrimination and prejudice.

The foundation was established based on various factors, including the firsthand experiences of individuals with albinism and a recognition of the systemic obstacles they encounter. Cofounder Onome Majaro drew motivation from personal encounters to tackle the stigmatisation and discrimination faced by those with albinism, intending to foster increased understanding and acceptance in society. The Onome Akinlolu Majaro Foundation has launched a series of initiatives and campaigns to combat discrimination against individuals with albinism. These efforts are multifaceted and inclusive, targeting different forms of discrimination while promoting greater awareness, empathy, and integration. Below are some specific initiatives and campaigns that the foundation has undertaken:

1. Educational Outreach in Schools: The foundation conducts educational sessions to raise awareness about albinism among young people. By teaching children about diversity and inclusion from a young age, the foundation hopes to foster acceptance and reduce stigma and discrimination against individuals with albinism.

2. Anti-Stigmatisation Campaigns:

The foundation actively works to challenge derogatory language and stereotypes associated with albinism. By highlighting the negative effects of name-calling, segregation, and lack of respect towards individuals with albinism, the foundation aims to change public perception and promote empathy and understanding.

3. Advocacy and Awareness: Through advocacy efforts, the foundation seeks to address the systemic challenges faced by people with albinism, including discrimination in employment and education. By raising awareness about the rights and needs of individuals with albinism, the foundation advocates for policy changes and societal shifts towards greater inclusivity and equality.

4. Family Support and Mindset Orientation: Recognising the importance of family support in combating discrimination, the foundation provides resources and guidance to families of individuals with albinism. By educating parents and family members about albinism and fostering acceptance and love within families, the foundation creates a supportive environment for individuals with albinism to thrive.

5. Empowerment and Wellbeing: Besides addressing social and cultural stereotypes, the foundation focuses on the practical needs of individuals with albinism, such as sun protection and access to necessary resources. By providing support and resources like sunscreen, hats, and glasses, the foundation aims to improve the well-being and quality of life of individuals with albinism.

Furthermore, The Onome Akinlolu Majaro Foundation focuses on enhancing the well-being and empowerment of individuals with albinism in Nigeria and other regions through various strategic initiatives. These initiatives include sun protection education, provision of essential resources, financial assistance, community building and support as well as empowerment through education and advocacy.

The foundation highlights the achievements and capabilities of persons with albinism, challenging the misconception that they cannot lead normal lives or contribute meaningfully to society. Also, through public education campaigns and advocacy efforts, OAM cultivates a more compassionate and inclusive attitude towards individuals with albinism, ensuring they can live fulfilling and dignified lives free from discrimination.

• Discrimination and Stigmatization: Individuals with albinism often face discrimination and stigmatisation in various aspects of their lives, including education, employment, and social interactions. In Nigeria and other countries, misconceptions and cultural beliefs about albinism contribute to negative attitudes and prejudices, leading to exclusion and marginalisation.

• Limited Access to Education and Employment: Many individuals with albinism in Nigeria struggle to access quality education and employment opportunities due to discrimination and societal barriers. Discriminatory practices, such as bullying and teasing in schools, can hinder academic performance and discourage individuals with albinism from pursuing higher education or employment.

• Health Risks: People with albinism are at increased risk of health problems, particularly related to sun exposure. Albinism results in a lack of melanin, which provides natural protection against the sun’s harmful rays, making individuals with albinism more susceptible to sunburn, skin cancer, and vision problems.

• Safety Concerns: In some parts of the world, including Nigeria, individuals with albinism face serious safety concerns due to superstitions and beliefs about the magical or medicinal properties of their body parts. This has led to cases of violence, ritual attacks, and even killings targeting people with albinism, particularly in regions where witchcraft beliefs are prevalent.

• Psychosocial Challenges: Living with albinism can also lead to psychosocial challenges, including low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, stemming from experiences of discrimination, bullying, and social exclusion. These challenges can have profound effects on the mental health and well-being of individuals with albinism.

The Onome Akinlolu Majaro Foundation (OAM) utilises a range of strategies to interact with the public and increase awareness. These efforts are aimed at educating communities about albinism.

• Campaigns and Events: OAM organises awareness campaigns and events to draw attention to the challenges faced by individuals with albinism and promote understanding and acceptance within communities. These events can include seminars, workshops, and campaigns aimed at dispelling myths, addressing misconceptions, and advocating for the rights of persons with albinism.

• Collaborations and Partnerships: The foundation collaborates with other organisations, government agencies, and stakeholders to amplify its message and reach a wider audience. By partnering with local and international entities, OAM leverages collective efforts to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and implement programs that benefit individuals with albinism.

• Media Outreach: OAM utilises various media platforms, including newspapers, television, radio, and social media, to disseminate information and engage the public. Through interviews, articles, documentaries, and social media campaigns, the foundation educates the public about albinism, shares personal stories, and highlights the achievements of individuals with albinism.

• Creative Initiatives: The foundation employs creative initiatives to capture the public’s attention and convey its message effectively. For example, OAM has collaborated with photographers, artists, and other NGOs and organised art exhibitions, documentaries, poetry readings, and storytelling sessions that explore themes related to albinism and promote empathy and understanding among audiences.

• Community Empowerment Programs: OAM conducts community empowerment programs that provide practical support and resources to individuals with albinism and their families. These programs include health screenings, distribution of sun protection items (such as sunscreen and hats), and skills development workshops aimed at enhancing the socioeconomic status of people with albinism.

• International Albinism Awareness Days: OAM actively participates in International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) to draw global attention to the issues faced by individuals with albinism. Through events, social media campaigns, and advocacy efforts, the foundation joins the global community in raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for the rights of people with albinism.

Onome Akinlolu Majaro Foundation (OAM) has formed collaborative initiatives and partnerships to advance its goal of advocating for individuals with albinism and addressing the issues of stigma and discrimination that they face. Some include:

1. Collaboration with Damilola Onafuwa’s Photography Exhibition: OAM collaborated with photographer Damilola Onafuwa for the “Angels Among Men” photography exhibition. This collaboration aimed to raise awareness about albinism and challenge societal stereotypes through the powerful medium of photography. By showcasing the beauty and diversity of individuals with albinism, the exhibition promoted empathy, understanding, and acceptance within the community.

2. Partnership with Media Outlets: OAM has partnered with various media outlets, including Vanguard, Guardian, Sun News Online, and Daily Times Nigeria, to amplify its message and reach a wider audience. Through interviews, articles, and features, these media partnerships have helped OAM raise awareness about albinism, share personal stories, and advocate for the rights of individuals with albinism on a national and international scale.

3. Collaboration with Filmmakers: OAM collaborated with filmmakers to produce documentaries and a movie titled “Beyond the Complexion” These collaborative efforts aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with albinism and promote understanding and acceptance within society. By sharing real-life experiences and narratives, these films sought to challenge stereotypes and advocate for social change.

4. Partnership with NGOs and Advocacy Groups: OAM has partnered with other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and advocacy groups that share its mission and values. Through these partnerships, OAM collaborates on advocacy campaigns, awareness-raising initiatives, and capacity-building programs aimed at addressing the needs of individuals with albinism and advocating for their rights and inclusion within society.

So far, OAM has been instrumental in positively impacting the lives of individuals with albinism and their communities in Nigeria. Here are examples:

1. Condemnation of Violations: OAM has been vocal in condemning violations and human rights abuses against people with albinism in Nigeria. By raising awareness about these issues and advocating for justice and protection, the foundation has contributed to a greater understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with albinism and the need for action to address them.

2. Vision Support: OAM has donated glasses and other vision aids to aid individuals with albinism in improving their vision.

3. Scholarship Opportunities: The foundation has provided scholarship opportunities to individuals with albinism, such as the case of Divine and David children living with albinism who currently receive scholarships from OAM.

4. Combatting Discrimination and Stigma: OAM has been actively involved in fighting discrimination and stigma against people with albinism. Through advocacy campaigns, educational initiatives, and community outreach programs, the foundation has worked to challenge stereotypes, promote acceptance, and foster a more inclusive society where individuals with albinism are valued and respected.

OAM’s efforts to empower individuals with albinism have helped boost their selfconfidence and self-esteem. By providing support, resources, and opportunities for personal growth and development, the foundation has empowered individuals with albinism to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.