Josephat Torner

Activism

Torner was born in Ngwangwege, near Lake Victoria. When he was twelve his mother died. Torner then came into contact with a pentecostecal church and followed his secondary education. Torner subsequently moved to Sweden and studied management for three years.

Since 2004 Torner has been an activist for albino rights. Torner travels around Tanzania and the world to educate on knowledge of albinism and on persecution of people with albinism. Torner works for the Ukerewe Albino Association on Ukerewe Island.

Torner worked together with director Harry Freeland on the documentary "In the Shadow of the Sun." The couple worked together on the project for six years. In the documentary Torner amongst other things confronts a local witchdocter, who are frequently involved in persecution of albinos. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to attract attention for his cause. He reached the top on 8 August 2011. Torner said he climbed the mountain to show African countries: "that we are able. But [also] protect us, give us a chance, don't stigmatize, don't isolate, don't hide us to the darkness room -- just open the way". Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada subsequently called him an international hero and compared him with Terry Fox. Torner has plans to climb Mount Everest in 2016.

In 2012 Torner survived an attack. He has criticized the Tanzanian government for not doing enough to educate others on misconceptions and superstitions regarding albinism.

Personal life

Torner is married and has two children.