R Magazine, Ex-TeenArt_Issue 1_Authenticity Mar. 2015 | Page 55

2. What is behind the acronym
ANIDA?
National and International Defence Association for Albinos

3. What forms of discrimination are
faced by albinos?
In some circles, albinos are believed to bring misfortune or,
conversely, are idolized.In best cases, in Africa, albinos receive gifts
in exchange for blessings, but mostly, they are marginalized and
persecuted. Being an albino, or giving birth to one, is often perceived
and considered as a calamity. The albino is socially rejected. He
often remains unloved, or even seen as a plague victim. It is still
difficult to overcome prejudice against them, fears, superstitions,
etc. There are several discrete ways to eliminate an albino child
during a bath for instance or with the help of professional killers.
These methods are used by some parents, sometimes with the
complicity of the society. Other factors also come into play in
integration difficulties of albinos in the African society. On one
hand, Africa’s warm climate is inclement for albinos’ health, who
cannot carry out any activity exposed to the sun. On the other
hand, the pronounced and incorrigible myopia, due to albinism,
excludes occupations that require visual acuity. In addition, the
gifts, talents and potentials of the albino are, in most cases, not
taken into account.

ADRIENNE NTANKEU//SOCIETy