Runako Mabhiza, a 16-year-old girl with albinism, faces a daily battle even before reaching school. Her walk to Siyahokwe Secondary School, a grueling 8 kilometers, becomes nearly impossible under the harsh sun without sunscreen.
Unfortunately, due to her family’s financial hardship and the El Niño-induced drought, this essential protection is out of reach.
Runako’s plight isn’t unique. Countless children with albinism in Zimbabwe, particularly those in rural areas, struggle to attend school due to a lack of sunscreen. This absence not only exposes them to harmful UV rays but also reinforces the isolation they experience from stares, whispers, and societal misconceptions.
“Every morning, as I wake up, tears well up in my eyes as I contemplate going to school because I know deep down that the day ahead holds challenges that I know won’t be easy for me,”
“I have learned to anticipate the challenges that come with each day at school. I must gather courage daily to face the stares, the whispers, the painful reminders that I’m different. The struggle has been worsned by the lack of suncrean which my single and unemployed mother can’t afford for me,” said Mabhiza.
Runako’s mother, Renica Rujeko, expresses her heartbreak at the situation. “It’s a real struggle,” she says. “It hurts me that Runako has to miss school because I can’t afford sunscreen.”
The Zimbabwe Albino Association (AAZ) sheds light on the gravity of the issue. Their report states that around 300 children with albinism miss school due to sunscreen scarcity.
The “Noble Hands of Zimbabwe” report adds another layer of concern, highlighting the alarming statistic that one in three people with albinism in Zimbabwe die from skin cancer before the age of 40.
While NGOs play a commendable role in providing sunscreen, their efforts are often seasonal and fall short of reaching all communities. This necessitates government intervention.
Zimbabwe’s Constitution guarantees every child’s right to education. Additionally, by ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the country committed to protecting the rights of children with albinism.
Allocating funds within the education budget to specifically support sunscreen for these students would be a crucial step towards upholding these rights and ensuring equal access to education.
Ellen Mashasha, Director of the AAZ, emphasizes the urgency of government action. “Our government must step up efforts,” she says. “We cannot afford to neglect these vulnerable children any longer.”
The issue goes beyond just sunscreen. Children with albinism also face discrimination and stigma in schools due to a lack of understanding about albinism.
Zimbabwe has laws like the Anti-Discrimination Act (2016) and the Disabled Persons Act (1992) that prohibit discrimination and promote the well-being of people with disabilities. However, these laws aren’t enough.
Collaboration between the government and NGOs like UNICEF is needed to implement initiatives that promote tolerance and inclusivity in schools. Educating students and parents about albinism, dispelling myths, and encouraging extracurricular activities are all crucial steps towards creating a more welcoming environment for these children.
Runako’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by children with albinism in Zimbabwe. By ensuring access to sunscreen, addressing discrimination, and promoting inclusivity, the government can help these children reach their full potential.
