EY TANZANIA TEAM DONATES US$ 3,500 AND TZS 712,000 TO FIGHT BRUTALITY AGAINST PEOPLE WITH ALBINISM IN TANZANIA

On 2nd March 2015, staff and Partners of EY Tanzania hosted Ms. Maria Stanford a representative from the society of people with albinism in Tanzania at EY offices in Oysterbay.

The representative, herself a victim of brutality against people with albinism lost both of her arms to wicked people who broke into her house located near Lake Victoria in North-western Tanzania and managed to overcome her as she slept, cut-off and vanished with both her hands.

Although she later identified the perpetrators who were amongst her fellow villagers, they were never brought to justice. On behalf of the Partners and staff, Joseph Sheffu the Country Managing Partner of EY Tanzania called upon the entire community to work together with the Government organs at all levels of the community in protecting our sisters and brothers born with albinism, identify and bring the perpetrators to justice and ultimately eradicate this barbaric act against fellow human beings.

At the event, which was prevailed with sadness and also joyfulness for Maria’s courage, forgiveness and positivity about life, the team raised a total of US$3,500 to support the cause for the people with albinism in Tanzania. The team also raised TZS 712,000 specifically to assist Maria meet her basic needs. In addition, Partners and staff have committed to raise additional funds to enable Ms Maria obtain limited functioning Prosthetic hands and a new embroidery machine to enable her to continue with her embroidery business at the local village. Maria thanked EY community for the support and appealed to the Government of Tanzania to do more in protecting people with albinism in Tanzania.