Scholarship programs

The right to education is universal and extends to all children, youth, and adults. It is also one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which states to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. 

In view of the many challenges confronting children with albinism, which include children dropping out of school because of poverty from their parents/guardians, parents not wanting to send their albino children to school due to the mistaken belief that albinos cannot do well in school, children with albinism refusing to go to school because of bullying, stigma and discrimination from peers and teachers.

The Foundation’s Education Trust Fund is aimed at ensuring that persons with albinism especially children with albinism who are not in school due to one reason or the other have access to quality education. The outcome of the education trust fund will reduce the number of out-of-school children with albinism in Nigeria; improve school enrolment among children with albinism; improve learning and teaching of albinism education in schools; and reduce the illiteracy level in Nigeria especially within the vulnerable population.

Children from vulnerable and low-income families are adopted as beneficiaries of the foundation and placed on scholarship in government schools. Our beneficiaries are enrolled in schools, continuously followed up and provided with all educational supply materials throughout the school year. The Education Trust Fund will enable the foundation to have a pool of fund where it can rely on to have as many children with albinism in schools. In so doing, more children who are out of school due to one reason or the other can be sent to school.

We granted scholarship to Miss. Udochukwu Divine, a PWA child, now attending Young Nation Nursery/Primary School, Lagos. This scholarship has been on since 2017. We also granted university scholarship to Mr. Victor Kalu a PWA, currently in 200level at the University of Lagos.

SUNSCREEN DRIVE

People with albinism are much more susceptible to skin cancer because the lack of melanin in their skin leaves them unprotected from the sun. Most children with albinism as young as 10 in sub-Saharan Africa have some form of early-stage skin cancer and only 2% live beyond age 40. Many are not aware of the danger from the sun and how to protect themselves. They may also not have access to sunscreen. The Sunscreen Project aims to ensure that persons with albinism are provided with sunscreen to help prevent skin cancer related diseases. We have provide sunscreen to over 50 PWAs at our 4^th year anniversary celebration in 2019. 

MEDICATED GLASSES DRIVE

Albinism affects the structure and pigmentation of the eye, causing visual impairment ranging from mild to severe. Many people with albinism are legally blind. All have extreme sensitivity to light. The medicated glasses project helps to prevent strain to the eyes of PWAs while reading, or performing daily task. 

In 2017 we carried out a comprehensive eye tests and donation of medicated eye lenses to 52 beneficiaries at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi Araba. 

In June, 2019, to celebrate International Albinism Awareness Day, we we carried out a comprehensive eye tests and donated medicated eye lenses and frames  to 20  beneficiaries at the United Nations Information Centre.

Economic Empowerment Initiative

As part of the OAMs vision of ensuring equal opportunities for PWAs in Nigeria, the foundation have initiated this project to help willing PWAs learn skills that can be used to create income. 

We have successfully trained Miss. Rachael Fatai, and Yemisi Oduniyi in cake baking. OAM paid fully for their classes, transportation and learning materials. Rachael is now employed at a Bakery while Yemisi has started her own business. 

International Albinism Awareness Day

History of International Albinism Awareness Day

On December 18, 2014, the United Nations’ General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing June 13th as International Albinism Awareness Day. This historic resolution confirmed the global focus on albinism advocacy. OAM joins with the worldwide albinism community in encouraging everyone to celebrate and promote albinism awareness yearly on June 13.

The foundation intends to host events yearly to celebrate the day and to use the day to educate and enlighten members of the public on the many challenges faced by persons with albinism in Nigeria and the world.

Advocacy & Public Awareness 

The Albinism Advocacy and Awareness Program provide information and services to people with albinism, their families and the public to advocate for the advancement of people with albinism. The Advocacy and Public Awareness program educates people on the truths about albinism and fights for the inclusive human rights of people with albinism. Be it educating a small community or speaking at a school, OAM always has the same message: People with albinism are just like everyone else with 2 simple differences: low vision and the lack of pigment (color) in their skin, hair and eyes. They deserve the same rights and opportunities as every person. 

OAM uses a variety of means to educate the public:

• Understanding Albinism talks in schools, hospitals, and more.
• Online awareness campaigns 
• National media presence: radio, TV, newspapers, magazines.
• Short videos and documentaries
• Information booklets for new parents  

Our goal is to fight against Discrimination & Rejection 

A person with albinism in sub-Saharan Africa faces discrimination, isolation and even abandonment. 

The every-day life of a person with albinism in Africa is too often characterized by loneliness, poverty and rejection. Children with albinism are stigmatized by their peers. They are often stared at and made fun of.

Many husbands desert their wives when they give birth to a child with albinism because of the stigma that comes with this genetic condition. The parent's superstitions may lead them to completely abandon or even kill their newborns. Well-meaning but fearful parents may lock away their children with albinism, isolating them from making friends, going to school and living a normal childhood. For those who do go to school, low-vision leads to high dropout rates. Adults with albinism are shunned. 

We hope to change the narrative through education and enlightenment  

 

Privacy Policy

OAM is committed to donor privacy.

We respect your privacy and do not rent, sell, exchange or share our email or mailing lists.

Donation Policy

Disbursement of funds is limited to Board-approved programs or projects.

Every donation designated towards a specific project will be used as allotted with the understanding that, when there are sufficient

funds or if it cannot be completed for any reason, the remainder of the donation will be used where needed most.

 

ACCOUNT DETAILS
The Onome Akinlolu Majaro foundation First Bank Of Nigeria 3115422886