Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism
We are a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that seeks to support and promote the rights of Persons with Albinism in Sierra Leone.
About the Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism (SLAPWA)
Founded in 2015, the Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism (SLAPWA) is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that seeks to support and promote the rights of Persons with Albinism in Sierra Leone.
We are working to create a society where people with albinism have their rights met and are included in all national and international development initiatives. As an Association of people with lived experience, we want to raise awareness of our experiences of discrimination and stigma, and to generate support for the specific health, education, employment and general welfare issues faced by people with albinism in Sierra Leone.
There are multiple local beliefs and myths surrounding albinism in Sierra Leone and very little support for the practical health problems faced by those with the condition.
‘Studies in Africa suggest that most people with albinism die from skin cancer between the ages of 30 and 40’.
(Report by I.Ero, Independent Expert for the United Nations, 2015).
We are a membership organisation and welcome everyone who can benefit from being a member: People with albinism, parents, carers, family members and allies. There is no charge for membership. Members register with the Association and share telephone numbers and addresses where they can be contacted for activities and practical support.
The Association’s staff team of nine include the Director, a Finance Officer, a Programme Officer, a Gender Officer and a team of support workers who are based in Bo and Makeni. Volunteers are based in other locations across Sierra Leone (eg Port Loko, Kabala, Kono), offering local support, information and access to free sunscreen
Contact us on our Helpline to find out about us and to request free sunscreen: 00232 76429890
Our Teams
Freetown Team
Mohamed Osman Kamara, Director; Warrah; Seray Alpha Bangura, Programme Manager; Sulaiman Alimamy Kamara, Finance Officer
Makeni Team
Albinism Support Workers Bai K. Turay and Fatmata Zoka
Bo Team
Albinism Support Workers Alusine Marah and Anne-Marie Bundu
Donate or Support Our Work
You can make a one time donation that will come to us with no deductions via our UK partner Medical Assistance Sierra Leone, using the Just Giving link.
In Sierra Leone you can donate via:
Orange Money: +232-764 63599
AfriMoney: +232-99353368
- We are looking for individuals, businesses and organisations to assist us in supporting people with albinism directly.
We welcome in-kind donations, such as hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, long sleeve clothing, trousers and school bags/materials. - If you or your organisation would like to support cancer surgery for one of our members, or to support a ‘Living Safely with Albinism’ community event in the provinces please contact us.
- We are always seeking internships, employment and training opportunities to address the low employment rate of people with albinism.
Latest News
New Research Project
SLAPWA is delighted to be delivering a research project with the University of Lancaster around promoting the educational and social inclusion of...
We are grateful for our past and current supporters who include
Visitors are welcome
We have our Head Office in Freetown (see image here of the signboard on Station Road; we are located up the hill) and small teams based in Makeni and in Bo, coordinating activities and volunteers in the provinces.
Address
34D Off Station Road, Furniture, Mayeimi Barracks, Allen Town, Freetown
Helpline
00232 76429890
The Director: slapwa.sl@gmail.com
Social
Resources
Our guide for people with albinism in Sierra Leone, aimed at both people with albinism and those who care for them, is available below for downloading and paper copies can be collected from our office.
Our educational resources are available for downloading at School Work and Resources, and hard copies are available from our office.
Albinism Booklet for Teachers
Understanding Albinism
Design your
own poster
