My name is Meshack Sisenda, and I was born and raised in Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. I am the only child with albinism in a family of three children, raised by a single mother after my father married a second wife in 2006.

Growing up with albinism was not easy, as many people held negative beliefs about albinism. This led to children in the neighborhood refusing to play with me, and I was often called horrible names and bullied. Despite all this, my mother, sister, and brother were always there for me. They constantly reminded me that I am “fearfully and wonderfully made,” and these words kept me going.

My academic journey was also challenging. It took time for my teachers in primary school to notice that I had low vision. Since my mother had no knowledge of this condition, I didn’t realize I had low vision either. I only knew that my eyes were sensitive to light, so I often wore sunglasses. However, this didn’t solve the problem, as I still struggled to see the blackboard. Eventually, with my teacher and mother’s help, I got spectacles, which greatly improved my vision. Even in school, however, it was difficult as some students made fun of me because of my disability.

In Class 4, I started participating in games and sports, which helped me feel loved, even though there was still some discrimination. In 2014, I completed my Certificate of Primary Education with a 321 out of 500 score. Although this was not as high as I had hoped, I was aiming for 380 marks or more to join a national school.

In 2015, I joined Friends School Namanjalala Secondary (an Extra County school). Life was great initially because the students and teachers were friendly and understanding. However, things took a turn one evening during a cross-country race. A stranger approached me and threatened to take me to Tanzania and sell me. His words made me feel unwanted, and from that day, I started to hate school. I would fake illness to stay home, and I spent most of my time away from school. I tried to convince my mother to transfer me to another school, but she couldn’t afford it since all three of us, my brother, sister, and I, were in high school.

In 2017, I transferred to Mitoto Secondary School, where I started afresh in Form 1. Life at  Mitoto was much better. Not only did I excel academically, but I also took on leadership roles and participated in sports. It was during a scouting competition that I discovered my talents in art and music.

In 2019, my mother lost her job due to COVID-19, and I feared it was the end of my education. My brother had just finished high school, and my sister was about to sit for her final exams. But one day, while performing at an event, Madam Scholarstica noticed me and offered to sponsor my education. Due to the pandemic, my Certificate of Secondary Education exams were delayed, and I sat them in March–April 2021, where I scored a C.

In August 2021, I joined Tangaza University to pursue a Diploma in Social Communication with partial sponsorship from Madam Scholarstica, alongside contributions from well-wishers and my family. I completed my diploma in December 2022 and was scheduled to graduate in October 2023. However, due to some academic errors, I couldn’t graduate then. Fortunately, with the support of Alan Herbert, my mentor who has guided me since 2022, I was connected with opportunities that helped me pay my fees and cover my living expenses.

I am happy to share the great news of my graduation, which took place on November 15, 2024.

Every day, I am determined to continue my education and change the narrative surrounding people with albinism and disabilities in general. However, school fees remain a significant challenge. I do not have enough capital, as most jobs I have access to are internships or volunteering. The little I earn can only cover my basic needs.

To the person reading this story, I hope it resonates with you and inspires you as it has inspired me to keep going.