The ManicaPost
Post Reporter
YOUTHS from Roman Catholic Church’s Mutare Cathedral last weekend embarked on a sponsored walk from Rusape to Mutare to raise awareness on albinism.
70 managed to finish the 93km walk, while 15 dropped along the way. The event co-ordinator, Ms Annie Katiyo, said they set a target to raise $10 000 and raise awareness on the plight of albinos who usually suffer from stigmatisation from the community.
“Mutare Urban alone has plus or minus 120 people living with albinism, while the figure stands at 39 000 across Zimbabwe. Most of the albinos are from disadvantaged families and cannot afford to raise the necessary money needed to buy sunscreen lotions, spectacles and other basic needs.
“As youths, we decided to play our part in fundraising for their needs. We received so many donations, both in cash and kind. Some of the donations were in form of pledges.”
She added: “It was not easy walking for almost 100km, but we were determined to make our dream come true. We covered most of the distance on Saturday as we slept in Odzi, which is about 30km out of Mutare. We were motivated by the theme of the event: ‘The colour that counts is the colour of love.”
Manicaland Albinos Association chairperson, Ms Nyaradzai Mazaiwana, said the walk was part of the belated International Albinism Day which was commemorated worldwide on June 13. “The walk was meant to demystify beliefs, myths, half truths and misconceptions which foster albinos’ marginalisation and discrimination in the society.
“The walk was a first of its kind. We have received overwhelming response from stakeholders who supported this historic walk. ‘‘I want to thank Roman Catholic youths for their sacrifice as our members need the community’s support,” she said.
She added: “The walk was also in honour of the late auxiliary bishop for Mutare Diocese, Right Reverend Patrick Mutume, who played a pivotal role in the formation of the association.
“Most albinos are having a torrid time as they cannot afford to buy the needed lotions. The lotions costs between $18 and $20 and one needs three to four bottles a month. This is beyond the reach of many albinos and the proceeds from this walk will make a difference in their lives.”
Mutare Diocese Roman Catholic Church bishop, Right Reverend Paul Horan, said stigma against albinos should be addressed, as they enjoy the same rights like an ordinary citizen.
“Pope Francis is always advocating for us as Christians to walk our talk and I am grateful that youths in Mutare are responding to this important calling. We should transform our Christian faith into reality and work with the needy.
“Subjecting a person to stigmatisation is more like jailing that person. The individual will not fully express himself or herself,” he said.
Deputy Director in the Office of Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Mr Terence Machocho, said: “I wish to assure people with albinism in Zimbabwe that we, as a State, are there to protect you and to ensure that your rights continue to be safeguarded at all times.
“We are proud to say that we are one of the few nations which have a Constitution that pronounces and gives much attention to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, thus offering maximum security and protection at all times.”
Prominent Mutare lawyer, Mr Misheck Mugadza, who was there to welcome the youths donated $500 to Manicaland Albino Association.
