After working steadily for over a year, Elmi Bile Mohamed feels confident and optimistic about a bright future for himself and his family.
As a community mobilizer in Mogadishu for an international organization, Elmi is now raising awareness about the very stigma and discrimination that once severely impacted his life. He is proud to support his family and maintain his dignity in public.
“My status has improved since starting this job. The difference between then and now is evident. I am able to provide for my family, especially my mother and father. I used to live with a Somali family, but now I’m independent, and I also support my wife,” he said triumphantly. “I can now take care of my needs.”
In an interview, the 26-year-old said he sends $200 monthly to his parents and siblings in the Hiran region to cover housing, food, and medical expenses. He earns $80 monthly from renting out a house.
Elmi also purchases sunscreen to protect his skin from the sun’s harmful rays and sends essential supplies to his three younger albino siblings.
“I needed many things before this job but couldn’t afford them, like sunscreen. Because my skin cannot tolerate the sun, I need it to go out during the day,” he said.
Eager to continue his education, Elmi enrolled in a $15 online English course and attends classes after work.
“In the past, I couldn’t afford my education. After finishing the English course, I plan to pursue further studies. My goals are to continue my education and keep working,” he explained.
Elmi was in despair after numerous job rejections until a Somali radio station, Radio Ergo, aired his story on May 31, 2023. The exposure led to an offer from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Elmi noted that his new role has positively changed public perceptions of him.
“People’s views changed after they saw me working. When I was jobless, they thought I was sick and couldn’t work. But now, they see me working and accept me as any other person,” he told the radio station.
Elmi highlighted that people with albinism are as capable of working and studying as anyone else. However, he expressed concern about the taunts from peers and the prejudice albinos face in Somali educational settings.
Elmi left his wife, three albino siblings, and parents in Beledweyne and moved to Mogadishu in 2018, seeking better opportunities. Although he can now afford his siblings’ education, he still feels more awareness is needed, as his siblings remain largely isolated for their safety.
He encouraged people with albinism to be confident and even start their own businesses to combat discrimination.
“I urge those lacking confidence to build it. People obsessed with our appearance need to understand that God made us all as we are. We are healthy; the only difference is skin color. Work like everyone else and remain patient and positive if you don’t find a job right away,” he advised.