International Baccalaureate Art II students at Roberto Clemente Community Academy have been learning about human rights and human rights organizations like Amnesty International. According to their website, Amnesty International is a global movement fighting injustice and promoting human rights. During this project,
the Wildcats learned about twelve different cases where rights were violated and they considered ways to raise awareness about these issues in their school.
One of the stories is of an albino 10 year old girl named Annie Alfred, who lives in Malawi, Africa. Annie dreams of being a nurse when she grows up, but does not know if this will be able to happen because she is being hunted. In 
Malawi, there is a belief that the body and bones of albino people bring wealth and good fortune. They are often utilized for traditional rituals to create magical potions and charms. Annie Alfred and others like her are in hiding from both the community as well as their own family members. Amnesty International is working to bring awareness to this issue and convince the government of Malawi to offer protection for the albino people.
Many of the students felt deeply attached to Annie Alfred’s story and many others similar to hers. They have created large works of art to tell their person’s story. The Wildcats have utilized symbolism and specific color schemes to highlight the injustice done to the twelve different cases represented by Amnesty International. They have learned about different cultures happening around the globe and how they can make a difference using art.
During this project, one of Clemente’s very own Wildcats, Melanie Centeno, was in contact with Amnesty International and had her artwork displayed in Los Angeles. Amnesty International was in contact with various artists across America, who created artworks depicting one of the twelve people represented. Melanie’s artwork, based on Annie Alfred’s story, was selected and shown during their exhibition.
Sources:
“Malawi: Killing Spree of People with Albinism Fuelled by Ritual Practices and Policing Failures.” Amnesty International USA. Web. 22 Dec. 2016.
“Our Work.” Amnesty International USA. Web. 22 Dec. 2016.