On the 18 December 2014, the United Nations took a resolution in proclaiming, with effect from 2015, June 13 as the International Albinism Awareness Day. Since then, OIPPA has been organizing the celebration of this important day with its beneficiaries and partners which has also been a voice added to other advocacy approaches that increases the confidence of persons with albinism in coping with stigma and discrimination. It is an occasion when people with albinism speak from their hearts of the long journey they have gone and what has been achieved so far and recommend what should be done to improve their social inclusion and wellbeing.
This year’s global theme was “Strength Beyond All Odds” which aims at highlighting the achievements of people with albinism around the world, show that people with albinism can defy all odds, celebrate how people with albinism worldwide meet and exceed expectations in all domains of life, and encourage everyone during this time of global pandemic. OIPPA chose to celebrate this day by doing radio and TV programs aiming at sensitizing communities to prevent sexual violence of girls and women with albinism as well as addressing the issues in health services of people with albinism in COVID 19.
On Saturday the 12th June 2021, OIPPA in partnership with the US Embassy in Rwanda provided 65 boxes of food that was handed over by Ambassador Vrooman to 65 families of persons with albinism in Kigali (Gasabo, Nyarugenge and Kicukiro). The food box donation was a way to celebrate persons with albinism with a larger community while mindful of covid_19 restrictions. The US Embassy provided 150 boxes of food whereby the rest were distributed to 45 families of persons with albinism and 40 families in Rutsiro district on the 13th June 2021. OIPPA has also distributed hats to people with albinism to protect themselves from sun rays in Kigali. The food was distributed after the US ambassador Vrooman giving brief speech encouraging persons with albinism and parents of children with albinism and showing them that they can do anything if they put their hands together, and if they want things to be better for themselves and for future generations.
The US Ambassador to Rwanda Peter H. Vrooman also hosted a small lunch with development partners and civil society organizations advocating for the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Rwanda at his residency.
The president of OIPPA’s board, Dieudonne Akimaniduhaye delivered a speech to the public, a speech of appreciation to beneficiaries, funders and partners for their tremendous support which has enabled OIPPA to be where it is today in advocating for its members and persons with albinism in Rwanda showing that there is still a long journey to expand to all districts of Rwanda. He mentioned the achievements that OIPPA has been able to attain due to the support of esteemed donors such as Disability Rights Fund (DRF) and the Equal Rights in Action Fund (ERA Fund).
