Twin brothers Clifford and Rene Bouma stand out in their community in northern Cameroon. Not only are they accomplished rappers, they’re also albinos – a rare condition affecting people from all ethnic backgrounds where the skin lacks pigmentation. In Cameroon, albinos still face a great deal of discrimination, based on fear and misinformation. Clifford and Rene, both 25, use their music to restore their own self-confidence, encourage tolerance, and give hope to other albinos around the world. Today, they are both university students: Clifford studies anthropology and Rene political science.

Listen to the report from Ngala Killian Chimtom in Yaounde, Cameroon:

Rapper twins shrug off stigma of albinism

For outsiders, the slums in Africa’s big cities seem like a world away. The media usually reports only the most horrific stories. But a couple of Kenyan journalists say that it doesn’t have to be that way. Instead of making movies about slum dwellers, they’d rather help these young people become media professionals themselves.

Watch this DW video for more.

Jay, 28, is passionate about preserving traditional African dance – and about watching out for the street kids in the impoverished city of Accra. She and her husband Nii, a drummer, have founded a dancing troupe whose purpose is not only to spread West African dance theater but also to improve local children’s lives.

In James Town, a poor neighborhood of Accra, children are likely to wander around all day among garbage and open sewage and have little chance to go to school, since their families cannot afford to send them and to buy them what they need. Through their artistic performances abroad and their music and dance workshops in Accra, Jay and Nii were able to raise enough money to give 50 kids a safe place on the seaside where they can play and study without leaving their neighborhood and their families.

The center was opened in 2007 and, since then, they have built a shed for outdoor activities, a dormitory for kids who can stay with them during the academic year and a classroom. Within their means, they provide them with school uniforms, school supplies and books. Jay recently became a mother herself, and her baby girl is the 51st child she cares for.

Listen to the report by Gaia Manco:

Ghanaian choreographer looks after street children

In this picture, reporter Gaia Manco is filming with with her little helpers, some of the kids that live at the shelter. Among them is Steven, an 8-year-old boy that came toward her and my husband when they were walking on the beach of James Town. Despite being a beautiful spot in the oldest area of Accra, the beach is currently degraded – and used as a public toilet and a dump. Steven said with pride, “Come and see where I live.” Jay said she was so proud that a boy who could barely speak when they met him was able to politely address strangers in English. While all the rest of the kids fought to be in front of the camera, Steven stayed behind Gaia. He wants to become a director one day.

Read more about Jay and Nii’s foundation here.

How many times have you donated blood? A young man in Nigeria is so concerned about saving lives that he co-founded Club 25, enouraging others to donate blood 25 times before their 25th birthday. Women in childbirth are in particular need of fresh blood transfusions.

Listen to the report by Nonye Aghaji in Abuja, Nigeria:

Nigerian gives blood to save lives

Dedan Ireri in Nairobi, Kenya, is all about bicycles. They are his hobby and also his profession. Maybe one day, a bicycle ride will earn him international recognition in sports. But Dedan Ireri is also on a mission: he wants to help others to take up cycling.

Listen to the report by Peter Hille:

One legged cyclist inspires others to ride

DW’s Peter Hille met Dedan while completing a cycling trip of his own – from Cairo all the way to Cape Town. Follow along with Peter’s adventures on his blog.

Lavender Hill is one of the areas in Cape Town, South Africa with a serious gang problem and the highest unemployment rate. Subsequently, there are many cases of drug abuse and domestic violence. Marcelle van Zyl started a project in the area called Lavender in Lavender Hill. The idea is to keep the youth off the street and create employment opportunities by cultivating lavender and making soaps, teas and oils with the plant. The project started last year, but is lacking funds and therefore cannot employ more than five people at the moment. But Marcelle is working hard to keep the initiative going, as it is impacting positively on the community.

Listen to the report by Faatimah Hendricks:

Lavender Hill

For more on the Lavender Hill project, go to their Facebook page.

DW’s Peter Hille is riding his bicycle all the way down the African continent, from Cairo to Cape Town. Why?! Check out his blog to find out:

DW on the Road: From Cairo to Cape Town

Emily from Kenya protects the butterfly species that are native to the area. She works with the local young people, raising awareness of the butterflies and of the importance of protecting the environment.

Kenyan environmentalist gives butterflies a future

Learn more about the Kakamega Environmental Education Programme (KEEP) here.

This report is part of Deutsche Welle’s Learning by Ear series. For lots more informative and inspiring stories, visit the Learning by Ear website.

Are you between 13 and 35 and have a great idea for how to help the planet and prevent climate change? Connect4Climate is holding a contest ahead of the UN Conference on Climate Change in Durban, South Africa. The contest runs through November 15.

Here’s Connect4Climate’s website.

You can submit your entry in the form of videos or photos on their Facebook page.

And don’t forget to share your great idea on the Generation Change blog, too!

Berta Bimba is in her early 20s and got into activism to spread awareness about sexual health issues, education, and to get people like her, who have spent time on the streets, into jobs and a new future.

Mozambique activist raises sexual health awareness