We are excited to introduce to you our second cohort of interns – eight students who are joining the Mothering & Albinism network for 2024-2025. This year, we have a diverse group of students representing the four countries in our Birthing Stories project: Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania and Canada. Each intern is assigned to one of our team members from the four countries to support Data Collection as we enter Phase II of our Birthing Stories research.
Follow our website to track what the students are learning!
Anita Dianatinasab, University of Toronto, Canada ๐จ๐ฆ

My name is Anita, and I am thrilled to be part of the 2024-2025 intern cohort at Mothering and Albinism. Coming from Canada, I am studying Political Science with majors in Urban Policy and Public Law. I have a strong interest in law, social justice, and human rights. Through this internship, I hope to obtain hands-on experience in analyzing and studying Albinism, therefore contributing to the important work that Mothering and Albinism are recognized for. I am passionate about assisting individuals in achieving their rights and more, and I am excited to grow both professionally and emotionally on this path.
Advisors: Drs. Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham & Barb Astle
Augustine Gerald, Aga Khan University, Tanzania ๐น๐ฟ

My name is Augustine Gerald. I am a second-year student at Aga Khan University in Tanzania and am pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery. My eagerness to participate in the Mothering & Albinism project is in utilizing my knowledge, skills, and expertise to assist the community. I am passionate about practicing my profession in a more challenging way, sharing knowledge and expertise, and expressing my ability by extending a voice to the voiceless and providing help to the helpless.
Moreover, I am excited to join the team and learn more about the interconnectedness between community health and international development, another one of my fields of interest. Recognizing the multicultural interactions present in the world, participating in the Mothering & Albinism project will provide me with a valuable opportunity to understand and practice my profession in a more meaningful way.
Advisor: Dr. Eunice Siaity-Pallangyo
Ackremson Majaliwa, Aga Khan University, Tanzania ๐น๐ฟ

My name is Ackremson Majaliwa, a Tanzanian and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery at Aga Khan University. I hold a diploma in Nursing and Midwifery, completed in 2022. I am a God-fearing person with a caring heart, known for my hard work, commitment, and teamwork spirit; giving up is never an option for me. I am flexible, socially active, and enjoy making new friends from diverse backgrounds. I believe in learning, re-learning, and unlearning. I am thrilled to join the Mothering & Albinism team as an intern, and I am eager to deepen my understanding of the unique challenges faced by mothers and families affected by albinism. This opportunity will contribute positively to my professional growth, particularly in the areas of research skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
My hobbies are reading books, travelling/adventures, and watching movies.
Advisor: Dr. Eunice Siaity-Pallangyo
Samkelo Mndebele, University of Pretoria, South Africa ๐ฟ๐ฆ

I am Samkelo Mndebele from South Africa. I am currently completing my third year in Bachelor of Nursing Science at the University of Pretoria. I am a goal-driven individual, outgoing, and very eager to learn and very receptive to new information. At the end of my internship, I would like to have learnt how to understand the genetic and medical aspects of albinism and to develop cultural competence in caring for mothers and children with albinism. I also want to attend lectures and workshops on albinism, its effects and management, and to participate in support group sessions for families affected by albinism.
Advisor: Dr. Ramadimetja Shirley Mooa
Rutendo Mugabe, University of Pretoria, South Africa ๐ฟ๐ฆ
My name is Rutendo Mugabe from Zimbabwe, an LLD student at the University of Pretoria. My academic journey has focused on human rights and environmental protection, particularly concerning marginalized groups in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through this internship, I aim to deepen my understanding of global human rights frameworks, especially as they relate to vulnerable populations. I am eager to enhance my research and advocacy skills in areas such as health, the right to a healthy environment, human rights, and equity issues. Additionally, I am excited to engage in community empowerment initiatives and gain insights into addressing social justice dilemmas, particularly those affecting people with albinism.
Advisor: Muluka Anne Miti-Drummond
Definately Mutsvangwa, University of Pretoria, South Africa ๐ฟ๐ฆ

My name is Definately Mutsvangwa, a second-year student, studying Bachelor of Nursing Science at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. . I am a person who thrives on being a good listener and I enjoy helping other people. I have always been interested in seeing the world from other people’s perspective. I hope to gain knowledge into how different cultures perceive and interact with individuals with albinism. I hope to deepen my understanding of the physiological impacts of albinism. By doing so, I can better support people with albinism, especially in the nursing field.
Advisor: Dr. Ramadimetja Shirley Mooa
Suhuyini Sulemana Seidu, University of Media, Arts and Communication, Ghana ๐ฌ๐ญ

I am Suhuyini Sulemana Seidu, a student pursuing a degree in Public Relations with Marketing at the University of Media, Arts and Communication. Born and raised in Ghana, I have spent most of my life immersed in the vibrant culture of my home country. However, I am now itching to broaden my horizons and explore the world. Beyond academics, I dedicate my time to personal growth through volunteer work and online courses, with a passion for all things organization. I joined the Mothering & Albinism project because I saw it as a great opportunity to connect with global researchers. Being part of this amazing community allows me to learn from the diverse and talented team’s unique experiences and perspectives. Equally important, I am glad to share my own experience as a person with albinism and to promote the well-being of persons with albinism and their families across the world.
Advisor: Dr. Lillian Ohene