Providing a safe haven for children with Albinism

Nestled in the remote community of Mporokoso, Zambia is a small school devoted to creating equal opportunities for blind and albino children through education. Part of our Kawambwa site, St. Odilia’s School provides a safe haven for children to learn. Teachers work hard to promote self-confidence through talks and counselling, helping the children realize disability is not inability. People born with albinism face many forms of discrimination due to myths and beliefs surrounding their existence but once you encourage children to believe in themselves, a spark is ignited, they can feel they are important and they matter.

Albinism is a rare genetic condition that limits the body’s production of the pigment melanin in the skin, hair and eyes. In Zambia more than half the numbers of children born with albinism are not able to complete primary and secondary schools due to challenges they face in society. These children are also quite vulnerable because there is a rare but prevailing traditional ritual in the region that involves harming albino people.

Thanks to the generosity of Chalice supporters St. Odilia’s school children living with albinism not only have a safe space to learn they have access to sunscreen, hats, shades, and umbrellas that provide much-needed skin protection. The school also makes accommodations to remove barriers to learning such as allowing children to wear hats indoors to protect their sensitive eyes and those without glasses to sit close to the board.

Education is the basic right of every child and essential for their cognitive, emotional, social and physical development. Teachers and staff at the school see the potential in every child and due to their dedication many students have been able to complete college degrees and work in their communities. Seeing their peers succeed gives younger students extra motivation to work even harder.

As children living with Albinism, we wish to convey our gratitude to Chalice sponsors for their belief in our ability. May God bless you today and always.