• KATE DU PREEZPERSONS living with albinism received donations of special telescopic spectacles and other items during celebrations to mark the international albinism awareness day, at the School for the Visually Impaired in Windhoek last Wednesday.
“The international albinism awareness day (which fell on 13 June) aims to increase global awareness of the plight of people with albinism,” said Gundula Perry, public relations officer of the German embassy at the presentation.
Perry also announced that the Support in Namibia of Albinism Sufferers Requiring Assistance (Sinasra) organisation had won the Bari-Bari-Award for the second year running this year.
This yearly prize is awarded in recognition of organisations that have had the most impactful results in albinism advocacy, he said.
“Sinasra received funding of N$225 000 from the micro-projects fund of the German embassy last August to purchase special telescopic spectacles and sunglasses,” said Perry at the handover of the donations.
Founder and former chairperson of Sinasra, Peter Stoermer, said they received the award in recognition of their efforts to eradicate atrocities committed against persons living with albinism in northern Namibia, through intensive awareness campaigns.
“Through the very generous provision of telescopic spectacles by the German embassy, those with albinism can now have adequate vision to go to school to learn how to read and write,” said Stoermer.
He explained that people living with albinism are as intelligent and not different from persons with normal melanin levels.
Other donations made to children at the school included special sun lotion, by the Ohorongo Cement Trust, as well as long sleeved T-shirts and hats provided through the Bari-Bari Award prize.
Stoermer expressed Sinasra’s gratitude to the donors and specifically the principal of the School for the Visually Impaired, Marillize Fransman.
“The ministry of health is helping us where possible, however, their budget is very limited and personal help comes mainly from individuals of the ministry. We therefore greatly appreciate the donations we receive from the German embassy and other companies and organisations,” said Stoermer.
He further said it is important to create awareness of the challenges faced by people living with albinism, especially in remote areas and schools.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
