Inclusion • Protection • Dignity

Since 2016 · Cameroon

Protecting, empowering and supporting people with albinism in Cameroon

A woman-led organisation working for health, education, safety and dignity.

Why our work matters

Life with albinism in Cameroon

The sun

Without protection, skin burns quickly and skin cancer can follow.

Low vision

Most people with albinism have low vision, which affects learning and daily life.

Harmful myths

False beliefs lead to stigma, exclusion and, in the worst cases, violence.

Exclusion

Many children and adults miss out on school, work and community life.

2016the year AWA was founded in Bamenda
100+children supported with school materials
4learners fully sponsored
sunscreen distributed to people with albinism across Cameroon
Our work

What we do

Health & Skin Protection

Sun protection, skin and eye care.

Learn more about Health & Skin Protection

Inclusive Education

Keeping learners in school.

Learn more about Inclusive Education

Protection & Safeguarding

Safety, support and referral.

Learn more about Protection & Safeguarding

Economic Empowerment

Skills for a safe income.

Learn more about Economic Empowerment

Advocacy & Awareness

Ending myths and stigma.

Learn more about Advocacy & Awareness
Learn the facts

Understanding albinism

Myth or fact?

MYTH

Albinism is a curse or a punishment.

FACT

Albinism is a genetic condition passed on by both parents. It is no one's fault.

MYTH

You can catch albinism by touching someone.

FACT

Albinism is not contagious. You cannot catch it.

MYTH

People with albinism have magical powers.

FACT

This belief puts lives at risk. People with albinism are ordinary people with the same rights as everyone.

Your questions answered

What is albinism?

A genetic condition in which the body produces little or no melanin, the pigment that colours skin, hair and eyes. It affects people of all backgrounds.

Can people with albinism see?

Yes. Most have low vision, which glasses, magnifiers, large print and a seat near the board can help with.

How can I help someone with albinism protect their skin?

Sunscreen (SPF 50+), wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and staying in the shade between 10 am and 4 pm.

Can children with albinism succeed at school?

Yes. Albinism does not affect intelligence. With simple classroom support, learners with albinism do well.

How can I support AWA's work?

Give, sponsor a child's education, volunteer, partner with us, or share accurate information about albinism.

Learners with albinism supported by AWA with their new school bags
Send a Child with Albinism to School

Every child deserves to learn

35,000 FCFA

covers one year of public secondary school tuition and PTA fees for a learner with albinism.

Sponsor a Child
Ngom Maceline Anwi, Founder and Executive Director of AWA
A message from our founder

Why I started AWA

I am a woman with albinism. I know what it feels like to burn under the sun with no sunscreen to protect your skin. I know what it is like to sit in class and struggle to read the board. And I know the stares, the whispers and the myths that make people treat you as less than human.

These were not stories I read about. They were my own experiences, and as I grew up and trained as a nurse, I saw many other persons with albinism going through the same pain, often with even less support. Children were dropping out of school. Families did not know how to protect their loved ones. Too many were suffering in silence.

That is why I founded AWA in Bamenda in 2016. I wanted no person with albinism in Cameroon to face these challenges alone.

Today, our work is practical and focused. We protect skin and eyes, keep children in school, keep people safe, help families earn a living, and change minds in our communities.

I did not do this alone. I am deeply grateful to everyone who believed in this vision from the very beginning: my family, friends, mentors and early supporters who encouraged me and told me, “You can do it.” Your faith gave me the courage to start. Thank you as well to our members, volunteers, Board, partners and donors, who continue to carry this vision forward with us.

“Together, we can make every person with albinism safe, included and able to thrive.”

Ngom Maceline Anwi
Founder and Executive Director, registered nurse

“AWA did not simply bring sunscreen and vision aids; they restored our confidence.”

Community focal person

Read more stories
Map of Cameroon with the North-West and South-West regions highlighted in blue and Bamenda marked
Where we work

Across Cameroon

We are based in Bamenda. Our programmes are active in the North-West and South-West regions, and we are expanding to other regions of Cameroon.

  • North-West and South-West: where we are active
  • Bamenda: our office
  • Other regions: where we are expanding
Work with us in your region
Stories & News

Latest news

All news

As featured on and working with

CRTV
Star TV
My Media Prime TV
Daily Mail
Lancaster University
DIA Network

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Stand with people with albinism in Cameroon

Your support protects health, education, safety and dignity.