On the 20 October 2022, representatives of the Organisation SINASRA (Support in Namibia of Albinism Sufferers Requiring Assistance), together with Mr. Herbert Beck the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, to Namibia signed a funding agreement. SINASRA will receive 97,440 NAD (approx. 5500 EUR) for the procurement of special telescopic spectacles to be distributed amongst community members suffering from albinism. SINASRA collaborates with local optometrists to examine the eyesight of the affected people to ensure that the special spectacles are allocated according to their needs.

Albinism is a congenital metabolic disorder that leads not only to particularly light hair and eye colour and highly sensitive skin, but also to a lack of pigmentation on the retina and iris of the eyes. This is the cause of visual impairment for many people suffering from albinism. With this, the stigmatisation heightens, because the affected people may find it difficult to participate in everyday life, let alone children attending school with a limited eyesight.

These special spectacles will improve their eyesight and allow them to live a life without obstacles and with dignity.

The distribution and wearing of special telescopic spectacles substantially improves the vision of people with albinism who would otherwise be classified as being blind. Children with albinism, who receive telescopic spectacles at an early age, stand a much better chance to cope with the integration into regular classroom settings, which clearly enhances their possibility to improve academically, fulfil their potential and subsequently lead an independent life – despite their precarious condition.

SINASRA registered as a welfare organisation in 2006. SINASRA’s primary concern is the survival of people with albinism, ensuring their livelihood and offering them a fair standard of living. The organisation supplies people with albinism with protective clothing, sunscreen and special telescopic spectacles. They also actively contribute to educate as many people as possible with relevant information on preventing sun-related cancer, its complications and early death.