The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
WHEN a child with albinism is born, most people in society frown upon the child.
People with albinism often face discrimination, not just from society, but sometimes even from their own families.
Just because they look different, they are treated differently.
Some are excluded from accessing healthcare services and education, while others are shunned by family, friends and peers.
The lack of melanin in people with albinism puts them at risk of skin cancer and eye challenges, hence their need for some special soaps, sunscreen lotions, sunglasses and sun-protecting clothing, among other things.
However, these things are priced beyond the reach of many, especially in rural areas.
Last week, several people with albinism last week converged at the launch of the Winnie Albinism Aid Trust (WAAT) in Rusape and received self-care hampers and some capital to embark on a poultry project from Mr Shepard Nyika.
WAAT was formed last year to champion their cause.
Those interviewed by The Manica Post narrated heart wrenching stories of the hardships and stigma they face in their communities.
It emerged that some people don’t even want to welcome people with albinism into their homes or shake hands with them as they believe that the pale skin colour can be transferred.
In some cases, parents have even rejected their own children.
“My mother was divorced after giving birth to me. Nobody from the family has checked on us since then. I was raised by my mother and granny. My family shunned me after convening a family meeting that banished my mother as she was accused of bringing a curse into the family.
“They said the family had no history of albinism. My father would ill-treat me each time my mother was away, denying me food as if he desperately wanted me to die,” said 22-year-old Peace Darare of Rusape.
“By merely looking at my skin, some people think I am mentally challenged, yet I am not. The prejudices we suffer are just too many and require a lot of counselling, prayer, recognition and love to boost our self-esteem,” she said.
“Society still misconstrues albinism as a product of a curse and that is why most of us are raised by single parents. I grew up under very difficult conditions, and endured discrimination and social exclusion as peers refused to shake hands with me fearing that they would also get my skin colour.
“I could not sit for my Ordinary Level exams after failing to raise the exam fees at Nyamauru High School. The burden was too much for my mother, but I still want to continue with my education,” said Peace.
She said people with albinism are rarely incorporated in empowerment programmes and are left to scramble for periodic handouts.
“Handouts are good, but they are not the best solution for us. We need sustainable empowerment projects, life skills and complete education to fend for themselves,” said Peace.
Angela Guvu (15), a Form Two student at Sanzaguru High School in Rusape said although name-calling is derogatory, the counselling and support from her parents, family and teachers make her strong and tolerant to any hostility and negativity towards her.
“Some laugh at me and call me musope, but I never give up and lose hope as I am no lesser human being. Being born with albinism is neither a crime nor a curse. We are normal beings. Instead of pitying us, society should accept and love us as equals. Love us as you love everyone else and be kind and generous,” said Angela.
“I am now used to the stigma and no longer care. I just accept it when the stubborn ones call me musope. I just smile, greet them with respect and say its fine. It used to hurt me, but I am now okay with it, and oftentimes I laugh it off,” she said.
Praise Chapanduka (13) of Chigora in Nyazura said she requires access to regular health checks, sunscreen, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing.
She said these life-saving resources should be readily available or accessible to peopl’e with albinism at affordable prices.
“These things are awfully expensive, yet our condition demands protective clothing and cleanliness. Our biggest enemy is the sun, and as a result we cannot play outdoor games.
“We require an enabling environment where we can sharpen our skills of indoor games like chess and develop a reading culture to become bookworms,” said Praise.
Wadzanai Nyakudya (26) of Headlands said she is living from hand to mouth after falling pregnant while doing her Form 6 at Macheke High School.
The man responsible eventually dumped her and the baby.
“The pregnancy shuttered my dream of acquiring a professional qualification. I was dumped together with my baby. His family could not accept a daughter-in-law with albinism even though the baby, now three years old, has dark skin.
“They said I was unacceptable to them. I am raising the baby by myself. It is difficult, but I have no option. I am a hustler and can do anything.
“Albinism does not inhibit me from working hard. I still want to go back to school and fulfill my dreams. I am saving towards my tertiary education. I don’t want that mistake to ruin the rest of my life. I have the potential and desire a decent life,” she said.
“To my sisters out there, do not be tricked by men. They can promise you heaven on earth and dump you later. Prioritise your education. Take what happened to me as a lesson. Preserve yourselves,” she said.
WAAT founder Reverend Winnie Moyo said in Manicaland, more than 100 people with albinism have reached out to her for assistance.
“Most of them were dumped by their parents and their lives have been challenge after challenge. Recently we had a child whose ear was removed due to cancer.
“We have situations where some women were divorced for giving birth to children with albinism, and some remarried and left the children behind. The children are tossed around and are never under one decent roof. They require constant counselling to give them hope,” she said.
She said WAAT is mobilising financial and material resources to empower people with albinism.
Mr Nyika chipped in to say society should champion the rights of those with albinism.
“Our eyes must be opened beyond the skin. We must be at the forefront of demystifying albinism and educating people against any form of discrimination,” said Mr Nyika.
