We are thrilled here to release our newest short film made by Tanzanian filmmakers Richie Munisi, Hans Charlz, and Peter Mnzava called “A Candle in the Dark,” which focuses on the life of one of Unite’s Medical Student, Zainabu Seiph. Zainabu is now a 4th year medical student at KCMC University in Tanzania. Born with albinism in a remote village along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Zainabu faced extreme dangers and challenges prior to joining our Unite Scholars Program in 2018.
Since joining Unite and receiving our comprehensive support (academic, health, social-emotional, family support, etc), Zainabu has emerged as a leader amongst her peers and in her field. Zainabu serves as the advisor to the CEO of Tanzania Better Health, and she has held such positions as the Commissioner for Students with Special Needs under Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions; the Vice Chairperson for Tanzania Medical Students Association; and a member of FAMSA, the Federation of Africa Medical Students Association, where she worked in a technical group addressing HIV/AIDS.
With Unite’s support, Zainabu has completed internships with Tanzania Better Health, the Kagungu Private Dispensary, and The Nature Conservancy where she provided health education to community members and hand-on care to patients. (In the film, you will see a celebration in Kagunga after Zainabu delivered a baby girl!). Zainabu has also completed a leadership course with Harvard Business School and is regularly invited to speak about health topics and rights for people living with disabilities on Tanzanian radio shows and TV channels.
Her story is truly inspirational. Please take 14 minutes to watch the film and let us know your thoughts and feedback. And please help support Zainabu and Unite by sharing this film with everyone you know. Asante sana. Thank you!
Click on the video above for a ~1:30 clip from the film.
“A message to my fellow youth and girls who have passed through different challenges like me. First of all, believe in yourself. If you know you can do something, work hard and do it. Sometimes you may feel like people are discriminating against you. But more often we discriminate against ourselves by keeping our eyes away from others and isolating. Keep pushing yourself. Interact with others whenever possible, and be on the lookout for all opportunities to succeed. God created you with purpose. ”
Zainabu assisting with a surgery at KCMC in Moshi, Tanzania.