Albinism with pride

PINEHAS NAKAZIKOTHE Tulonga Foundation recently hosted a girls’ workshop on albinism, with the hope of normalising, raising awareness, and creating a safe space for people with albinism.

The Commonwealth for Children and Youth with Disability event took place at the National Youth Council (NYC) board room last weekend under the theme ‘Finding Pride in Who You Are’.

According to the organisers, albinism has always been hard to unpack because of its complexity.

The project aims to advocate for the human rights of people with albinism through awareness campaigns, dealing with traditional practices, discrimination, stereotypes, stigma, and misconceptions about albinism.

With the event, organisers aim to create a better life for people with albinism, a more accepting society, with better access to information, and a safe environment for people with albinism.

Rozaline Joseph, one of the attendees, says albinism affects young people’s self-esteem and confidence.

“We are all human beings, and having a different colour or character does not make us any different from people who do not have albinism,” she says.

She says it’s important to embrace differences.

Joseph further says participants in the workshop have learnt a lot during the workshop about the importance of skincare as people with fragile skin.

Another attendee, Fenie Shikesho, says she learned to always be confident.

“I’ve also learnt to accept and love myself for others to accept and love me for who I am,” she says.

The girls received protective sunscreen, T-shirts, snacks, pens, and other accessories.

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