HISTORY
The Assocation for The Welfare of Albinos (AWA) has been a creation and development that comes from the core principles for addressing the concerns of Persons with Albinism (PWAs). The initial focuse in 2016 was to provide health care and inisiate awareness of PWAs challanges through societal reengineering programming. Historically, the essence of being a person with albinism has had a wide range of connotations associated with myths among the many differing cultures in which albinos are found. As such, the myths will range from the absurd to the violently dangerous. “Beliefs that, albinos are a vessel to bring good luck, while in other cultures... being a person with albinism, is a sign of bad luck, or the misconceptions of exposures to sunlight, visual acuity, resulting in avert social disassociation.” However, the more violent extremes are found in practice throughout several African Nations, which bring about the amputation of body parts in ceremonies to treat illnesses. Or attempts for healing through sexual contact in an attempt to mitigate the conditions of HIV, resulting in rape and spreading of the infection in PWAs.
The principal objectives were initiated in 2016, to aid persons with albinism living in Cameroon. AWA’s founder, Ms. Maceline Anwi Ngom is a Registered Nurse, and also a PWA who saw a great need to aid her brothers and sisters in the rural areas of Cameroon. As a practitioner, she allocated her resources and time dedicated to developing the initial programming agenda to inform and aid PWAs in coping with the basics of healthcare issues. The initial concerns, for mental well-being to raise their self-esteem during the first years of her initiative, have escalated with the added dimension of the more invasive physical health concern for cancers in the more remote areas of the country. During the first quarter of 2019, Ms. Ngom, officially established The Association for the Welfare of Albinos (AWA) with the government of the Republic of Cameroon, as a Not For Profit Organization. The Goal of the organization “is to raise awareness of health issues both physical and mental within the families and communities, and to rehabilitate through evaluating skill sets education, and retooling PWAs living in Cameroon. AWA pledge is to work in the interest of humanity without distinction of race, sex, and religion, while respecting the UN Declaration on Human Rights Resolution (no A/RES/69/170, 18 December 2014, law no .47/135, 18 December 1992 and no. 23/13, on 24 June 2013). (AWA) is a registered non-political, non-tribal, non-religious, and non-profit association in Cameroon. ● We raise awareness about Albinism for both youths and adults, to help empower persons living with albinism to be productive and independent through direct intervention and counseling,
● We help to facilitate the social and economic integration of persons living with albinism in society and assist in their adjustment, and
● We collaborate with like-minded individuals, groups, organizations, and associations and we are lobbying the government agencies that support or work in line with our mission.
The principal objectives were initiated in 2016, to aid persons with albinism living in Cameroon. AWA’s founder, Ms. Maceline Anwi Ngom is a Registered Nurse, and also a PWA who saw a great need to aid her brothers and sisters in the rural areas of Cameroon. As a practitioner, she allocated her resources and time dedicated to developing the initial programming agenda to inform and aid PWAs in coping with the basics of healthcare issues. The initial concerns, for mental well-being to raise their self-esteem during the first years of her initiative, have escalated with the added dimension of the more invasive physical health concern for cancers in the more remote areas of the country. During the first quarter of 2019, Ms. Ngom, officially established The Association for the Welfare of Albinos (AWA) with the government of the Republic of Cameroon, as a Not For Profit Organization. The Goal of the organization “is to raise awareness of health issues both physical and mental within the families and communities, and to rehabilitate through evaluating skill sets education, and retooling PWAs living in Cameroon. AWA pledge is to work in the interest of humanity without distinction of race, sex, and religion, while respecting the UN Declaration on Human Rights Resolution (no A/RES/69/170, 18 December 2014, law no .47/135, 18 December 1992 and no. 23/13, on 24 June 2013). (AWA) is a registered non-political, non-tribal, non-religious, and non-profit association in Cameroon. ● We raise awareness about Albinism for both youths and adults, to help empower persons living with albinism to be productive and independent through direct intervention and counseling,
● We help to facilitate the social and economic integration of persons living with albinism in society and assist in their adjustment, and
● We collaborate with like-minded individuals, groups, organizations, and associations and we are lobbying the government agencies that support or work in line with our mission.
AWA'S OFFICERS AND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MACELINE ANWI NGOM
FOUNDER AND CEO
Ms. Maceline Anwi Ngom, also known as “Anwi… Mama AWA,” is deeply committed to her chosen career path and dedicated to giving back to her community. She draws upon her education and work experiences in nursing, gender-based violence management, and her involvement with various organizations to fulfill her passion. Anwi has served as a member of the United Nations Strategic Advisory Group for the Northwest region of Cameroon and has undergone civic management training at the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) in Accra Ghana. She has participated in the Change Maker Lab organized by “World Pulse, and the ‘Roboga YALI, BKA Challenge.” Additionally, she is an alumna and selection committee member of United People Global, a mentoring program of the Global Mentorship. She was a participant in the Potential Life and Mentorship Program organized in 2020, at the US Embassy in the Republic of Cameroon.
Throughout her career, Anwi has played significant roles as a vice president, coordinator, focal person, and board of advisory member to a variety of content-related NGOs and community groups that resonate with her values. Her experiences have helped to shape her core principles, which revolve around helping others, with empathy, compassion, and moral integrity, which translate into the core principles of AWA. These and other development initiatives have been the catalyst to her learning experiences, gaining invaluable insight into orchestrating and managing AWA's programming agenda. As a nurse, she has consistently excelled in her assignments and has received numerous accolades for her work endeavors.
While recent events in the development of AWA have presented new obstacles and challenges for the organization, the management style and Anwi's relationships with team members have proven resilient, with valuable lessons learned. Ms. Ngom is highly regarded by her colleagues and peers for her integrity, trustworthiness, and meticulous organizational skills. Her bilingual proficiency in French and English, both in reading and writing, further enhances her ability to communicate and implement planned actions and programs.
Throughout her career, Anwi has played significant roles as a vice president, coordinator, focal person, and board of advisory member to a variety of content-related NGOs and community groups that resonate with her values. Her experiences have helped to shape her core principles, which revolve around helping others, with empathy, compassion, and moral integrity, which translate into the core principles of AWA. These and other development initiatives have been the catalyst to her learning experiences, gaining invaluable insight into orchestrating and managing AWA's programming agenda. As a nurse, she has consistently excelled in her assignments and has received numerous accolades for her work endeavors.
While recent events in the development of AWA have presented new obstacles and challenges for the organization, the management style and Anwi's relationships with team members have proven resilient, with valuable lessons learned. Ms. Ngom is highly regarded by her colleagues and peers for her integrity, trustworthiness, and meticulous organizational skills. Her bilingual proficiency in French and English, both in reading and writing, further enhances her ability to communicate and implement planned actions and programs.
Fisiy Fabrice Tume
board member
Fisiy Fabrice Tume is an active student in pursuit of a Master's Degree in the field of Geography with an emphasis on human activity. Throughout his quest for knowledge and an understanding of the world in which we live, Fabrice has dedicated his time and efforts with a profound sense of dedication toward humanitarian contributions as it impact social change. With a Bachelor's Degree in Geography already in hand, Fabrice has developed a strong understanding of human-environmental interactions and the impact on populations as the demographics have evolved. To these matters, his focus on the more vulnerable members of the societal structure has driven the enthusiasm he brings to AWA's Board of Directors with a deep desire to make a positive impact.
Mr. Tume actively engages in volunteer work with humanitarian organizations in Cameroon and has participated in the “Unite People Global Movement” and other events promoting awareness and inclusion. Through these experiences, he has honed the skills that permit him to contribute to ideas that can lead to the realization of objectives. “I think with the board’s collective experience, together we will make a great impact for a better tomorrow.”
Vivian Buchu Chobah
OFFICER
Vivian Buchu Chobah is from the Northwest region of Cameroon. She has been a volunteer for both private organizations and civil society groups. Ms. Chobah has volunteered as a warehouse keeper, controlling inventory and scheduling deliveries of goods at Global Telecommunications House (GLOTEHO). In her capacity as a Transit Agent, she provides importation authorization, validation, and declaration of imported goods at the Durrell and Clifford Transit firm. Vivian has been at the focal point of AWA’s Gender Based Violence (GBV) initiative, engaging with organizations at the United Nations Cluster, the Network for Solidarity Hope and Empowerment, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in Cameroon. As a GBV representative for AWA, she is a social activist on Digital Health with GIZ. Vivian is a strong social/human rights advocate for persons with disabilities, particularly persons with albinism. She is very passionate and enthusiastic about serving humanity and currently serves as Secretary and a Board Member of AWA.
Ms. Chobah has been working as a leadership coach with GIZ and also the Aspire Leaders Institute developed and coordinated at Harvard University in the United States. She has also served as an Education in Emergency coach with the UNICEF/Education clusters of Cameroon.
MODELINA HART
BOARD MEMBER
Ms. Modelina Hart is a seasoned professional with a broad array of experiences in Human Resource Management and Business Management. As a Business Manager, she is versed in performance management, program administration, and needs-based planning skills. As a HR Manager, she is accomplished in developing creative ideas, policies, and procedures to improve talent acquisition, and client-customer relations which translates into the management of, employee performance and organizational growth trajectory. She brings a dimension of continuity to AWA’s Board of Directors when addressing the needs and requirements of both the recipients and the administrative team of AWA.
Ms Hart has a decade of proficiency as a chef, and relationship speaker. Among her other expertise, she is a seasoned novelist with the popular books, Party Rider, and Fixed Ice to her credit. Modelina passionately champions mental wellness and stands tall against sexual abuse. She is an Alumna of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), a United Nations UN Volunteer, TheirWorld Global Youth Ambassador, a Rotarian, and REACHi Africa Changemaker. “At the heart of enchanting tales.”
Ms Hart has a decade of proficiency as a chef, and relationship speaker. Among her other expertise, she is a seasoned novelist with the popular books, Party Rider, and Fixed Ice to her credit. Modelina passionately champions mental wellness and stands tall against sexual abuse. She is an Alumna of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), a United Nations UN Volunteer, TheirWorld Global Youth Ambassador, a Rotarian, and REACHi Africa Changemaker. “At the heart of enchanting tales.”
Terence Nchini
OFFICER
Terence Nchini is originally from the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Currently, he is a resident of the United Kingdom. Terence works in both the public and private sectors in England, supporting adults and young people suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues. Terence is a Psychiatric Nurse by profession based in the UK. His association and participation with AWA was initiated through its founder Ms. Ngom as a professional nurse. Terence has been and remains one of AWA’s founding supporters who have aided the development and organization of general public awareness campaigns leading to destigmatizing the perceptions of persons living with albinism.
From his earliest perception of Ms. Ngom, Terence has known her to have always been a strong advocate not just for people living with Albinism, but also for equal rights for all, regardless of their background or disposition. Terence is very family oiented and loves traveling during his spare time.
Gibbi Sabally
BOARD MEMBER
Gibbi Sabally is an experienced police officer with many years of service with distinction, in the field of law enforcement. He holds a Postgraduate Degree in Diplomacy and International Relations. He has enhanced his expertise in addressing diplomatic matters as a YALI Alumnus, gaining valuable leadership skills and extensive knowledge, in which he is furthering his pursuit in various fields of study. Gibbi’s experiences and knowledge base relative to the environmental impact of climate change and the impact that it has on PWAs provide an invaluable asset to AWA’s Board of Directors in the planning and preparation of events and awareness campaigns.
Mr. Sabally earned his diploma and an advanced diploma in peace and conflict studies, highlighting his commitment to promoting peace within communities. In addition to his police work, Gibbi serves as the Vice Chairman of the Helping Hands Green Ocean Organization. This role allows him to actively contribute to environmental conservation efforts and promote sustainable practices, to which he contributes to sustainable awareness endeavors. He is also an executive member of Project Peace Light, an organization dedicated to fostering harmony and understanding not only in his native country, “The Gambia,” but also in the neighboring nations on the African Continent. Gibbi has also obtained German language skills through the EU/HOH project in Dakar, Senegal.
LYLE E. DENNIS "ENRICO"
OFFICER
Lyle E. Dennis, “Enrico” is an artisan designer, with professional and business experience formulated through having managed three corporations, in conjunction, with two international programming initiatives. His skill sets and methods of operation have been honed through a variety of interconnected career paths, with expertise in the applied arts and sciences of advertising, industrial and graphic design, publishing, public relations, and several disciplines within the creative fine arts. He brings a full complement of business recommendations to aid the Board of Directors and AWA’s CEO achieve their objectives.
His expertise has been applied in addressing advancements in innovation, and the nuances of economic impact on social reengineering to foster the development of Sustainable Eco Systems. He has created and conducted international technology research initiatives in capital cities in North and, South America States, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and West Africa. His repertoire of publishing and public relations is accredited to a wide client base inclusive of; the US Government, a variety of Civil Rights NGOs, and his corporate publishing endowers. Mr. Dennis has orchestrated retooling, and best practices through full-on trade missions and conferences for economic development and social reengineering, with an emphasis on business and universities to expand technological innovations and commercialization.
His expertise has been applied in addressing advancements in innovation, and the nuances of economic impact on social reengineering to foster the development of Sustainable Eco Systems. He has created and conducted international technology research initiatives in capital cities in North and, South America States, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and West Africa. His repertoire of publishing and public relations is accredited to a wide client base inclusive of; the US Government, a variety of Civil Rights NGOs, and his corporate publishing endowers. Mr. Dennis has orchestrated retooling, and best practices through full-on trade missions and conferences for economic development and social reengineering, with an emphasis on business and universities to expand technological innovations and commercialization.
a reality exist, "Behind every dark cloud is a silver lining"
Disparaging words and actions must be changed
Naïveté, ignorance, stupidity, and lack of education can no longer be tolerated. The physical and psychological abuse, myths, and discrimination can no longer have a place in the global societies of humankind. Persons With Albinism (PWA's), like any other human being, must and can learn to adapt in the face of their inability and/or their disabilities. So let our light shine.