Birthing Stories Project: Student Interns 2025

Involving students in an internship within a research project is valuable for both the learners and the coalition of research and communities. Each year, the Mothering & Albinism network welcomes student interns with varied lived experiences, disciplinary perspectives, and cultural frameworks to enrich the project’s research and advocacy efforts by broadening how discrimination, stigma, and structural inequities are understood and interpreted. Student interns also bring fresh curiosity and critical questions that strengthen reflexivity within the research team. Engaging them in research that centres vulnerable populations deepens their awareness of global human rights issues, fosters culturally responsive practices, and cultivates future healthcare providers, advocates, scholars, and leaders committed to equity-oriented inquiry.

As we transition to Phase III of our project, the interns will contribute to the action groups creating resources, in the development of equity-oriented, engaging educational strategies, curricular resources, and policy resources that will be used for knowledge translation.

We are pleased to introduce our 2025-2026 Mothering & Albinism interns!

Tunu Kibe, Trinity Western University, Canada 🇨🇦

My name is Tunu Kibe, a third-year Trinity Western University student. I am pursuing a Bachelors’s in Media and Communication with a minor in Art & Design. I am passionate about people and building my capacity to serve others. I love interacting and meeting people from various backgrounds and deepening my cultural understanding. I am keen to learn more about albinism and its impacts on mothers and children with albinism. Through this research, I can grow in my ability to serve. I look forward to learning more about global health research and the role I play as a communicator, both visually and in writing.

Kizito Kileu, Aga Khan University, Tanzania 🇹🇿

I am Kizito Kileu, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) student from Aga Khan University in Tanzania. I am passionate about healthcare, technology, and innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes. My interests include emergency care, community health, and leveraging digital tools to bridge gaps in healthcare access. To make my passion in technology more practical, I am working on developing an app called NurseAid App, which will bridge gaps in healthcare access across Africa. Through this internship, I aim to understand challenges mothers of children with albinism face, explore culturally sensitive care, and promote equity and human rights in healthcare.

Nsindiso Masiya, University of Pretoria, South Africa 🇿🇦

I am Nsindiso Masiya, a third-year Bachelor of Nursing Science student at the University of Pretoria. I have a strong passion for human rights and community advocacy. As a dedicated human rights activist, I am committed to promoting dignity, inclusion, and equitable healthcare for all. I joined the Mothering Albinism internship program to deepen my understanding of the experiences of people with albinism and to actively contribute to advocacy efforts that support and empower affected families. Through this internship, I hope to gain practical skills, broaden my perspective, and strengthen my ability to influence positive change within vulnerable communities. 

Anitha Mganga, Aga Khan University, Tanzania 🇹🇿

I am Anitha Mganga, a Tanzanian midwife, lactation specialist, and IBCLC candidate, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Midwifery at Aga Khan University. With over ten years of experience in maternal and child health, I am the founder of Midwife Anitha’s Breastnest, a community-based center offering breastfeeding, postpartum, and maternal nutrition support. I have been recognized through several awards, including the 2025 Emerging Midwifery Award (TAMA), the Afri Glo Choice Award, the CFM Radio Recognition Award, the Tanzania Emerging Youth Award (TEYA), and the Jubilee Mums Mentor Award. My interests include human rights in maternal health, community advocacy, and digital health education. Through this internship, I hope to deepen my understanding of the lived experiences of persons with albinism, strengthen my advocacy skills, and contribute meaningfully to building equitable and inclusive maternal health systems across Africa.

Malesolo Yvonne Mogano, University of Pretoria, South Africa 🇿🇦

My name is Malesolo Yvonne Mogano. I am someone who genuinely enjoys interacting with others. I believe every conversation has something to teach me. Even when someone shares a perspective that differs from mine, it still helps me reflect on what aligns with my values and what does not. I am currently a second-year Bachelor of Nursing Science student at the University of Pretoria, born and raised in South Africa. Through this opportunity, I hope to broaden my understanding of albinism. Growing up, I heard many myths and misconceptions, and I want to replace those with factual, evidence-based information. Gaining accurate knowledge will not only help me better understand albinism myself but also enable me to educate my community (friends, family, fellow students) and provide care that is sensitive, informed, and respectful. Ultimately, I want to be able to advocate for individuals with albinism in a meaningful and compassionate way.

Lisa Ompeshi, Aga Khan University, Tanzania 🇹🇿

My name is Lisa, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Aga Khan University in Tanzania. I am passionate about community health, advocacy, and creating inclusive spaces for vulnerable groups. My interests include health education, research, and developing practical skills that support holistic patient care. Through the Mothering & Albinism internship program, I aim to deepen my understanding of the unique challenges faced by mothers and children with albinism, strengthen my research and communication skills, and contribute meaningfully to projects that promote awareness, empowerment, and equitable healthcare. This experience will support my growth as a compassionate and impactful nurse.

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