JTX2020: Kilimanjaro Tanzania and beyond

In many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, people with albinism are living in horrific conditions, where their most fundamental human rights, ashamedly including – The Right to Life – has been denied. They are hunted and brutally murdered because of a wide-spread myth : possessing and using the body parts of people with albinism in witchcraft-related rituals will bring you luck and wealth. Even the graves of people with albinism have been dug up in search for bones. There is said to be a lucrative black market where bodies of people with albinism are being trafficked and sold. This is a pan-African human rights crisis that need global attention and solidarity.

Josephat Torner Foundation Europe (JTFE) invites you to join JTX2020 (Josephat Torner Experience 2020) to climb the Kilimanjaro. The purpose of this expedition is to bring the awareness in albinism to the top of Africa. The Foundation envisions to create a safe and all-inclusive society for people with albinism in sub-Saharan African countries. Albinism is a genetically inherited condition that affects the production of Melanin, the pigment which colours skin, hair, and eyes. However, albinism is profoundly misunderstood in sub-Saharan African countries. The myth surrounding albinism is a community taboo that no one dares to talk about openly. We Break this Silence of community taboo by creating open dialogues in communities to educate the local population to eradicate harmful rituals.

Many shelters have been created for the protection of children with albinism, however they are not the solution to the problem. Children in the shelters are uprooted from their families and becoming refugees in their own countries. Protection is needed, but fighting against its root cause is essential to have a sustainable solution. People with albinism belong to the main stream of the society, not to the shelters or segregated places. We need to create a world where we no longer need a shelter!

The Foundation focuses on combating the root cause of the problems : the myth, and fulfills its mission by facilitating the activities of Josephat Torner, a known Tanzanian human rights activist with albinism who takes ALL-ON-BOARD strategy by collaborating from governments and law enforcement agencies, to tribal chiefs and traditional healers. Changing the culturally-embedded mindset is a long process that takes years to gain some tangible results. However, without combating the root cause, there won’t be any light at the end of the tunnel.

The Foundation also focuses on building capacity of people with albinism themselves by providing education, micro-financing, and other means of self-advocacy. Standing  up on their own feet is the key for self-reliance and creating role models for coming generations. Stigmatization and discrimination against marginalized population in African communities are deeply-rooted in their culture and strong, but today’s challenge is the opportunity for tomorrow!

The JTX2020 project is planned to take place on July 10, 2020. Expected total duration of the trip is 10-11 days, including 8-day Lemosho route to achieve the top. Climbers are expected to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport on July 10th. After one day rest from their long distance trips, the climb begins on July 12th. Lemosho route is not only the most scenic route to reach the Uhuru Peak, but also better one to acclimate yourself to the altitude. We will also light up electric candles on the top of the mountain to remember those victims with albinism who lost their lives too soon. Some climbers are African activists with albinism and others are coming from all over the world. It is an awareness raising as well as fundraising project. We kindly ask support from each climber. Each project participant is expected to raise funding of a minimum of 1.000 Euros (in addition to their own travel costs. JTFE will be able to help you with ideas for your fundraising. We have many Kilimanjaro climbers from lasts year who raised their €1.000 with creative ideas!) You don’t have to have your own mountain equipment. Most things can be rented on location. Registration is now open. Please write to : info@www.jtfe.org or Send your chat message to Facebook Josephat Torner Foundation Europe.

In 2018 expedition, there were 24 climbers from 6 different countries who challenged the highest point on the African continent. The upcoming JTX2020 we are expecting more numbers of challengers who climb the majestic Kilimanjaro for a shared mission in albinism. The countries of climbers are expected to be : the Netherlands, Sweden, Japan, Singapore, U.K., Israel, Italy, Germany, U.S., Australia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and more.

Tanzania is an amazing country with the most beautiful wild parks. It is possible to combine Kilimanjaro climb with Tanzanian National Parks visit (Serengeti Safari, Ngorongoro Crater, etc) and Masai Cultural tours, Zanzibar, etc.) . For those who wish only Parks visit, creating your tailor-made trips are also possible. You can also visit project sites that the Foundation implements in Tanzania with JTFE staff members! Let us bring our mission to the top of Africa to represent the Voice of the Voiceless!!