CCJP TAKES CSOS ON PERSONS WITH ALBINISM’S PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

BY HOLYCE KHOLOWA

Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) has observed that active participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in identifying and uprooting atrocities facing persons with albinism (PAWs) can ably lead to national development.

CCJPs national governance programs coordinator George Chiusiwa made the call on Tuesday in Zomba during an interface meeting the organization held with the Zomba based CSOs centered on spearheading them on the roles they have in access to justice and development of the PAWs.

He indicated that apart from attacks majority of PAWs are facing huge economic hardships that at times costs their lives as they are unable to fend for themselves.

He cited an example that due to extreme poverty some PAWs use mosquito nets as doors for their homes as they cannot afford to purchase sturdy doors whereas others go with empty stomachs as they have no money to purchase food.

“Besides, some PAWs cannot afford to purchase skin lotion to protect them from direct sun rays which leads to skin cancer and this calls for the CSOs to mainstream PAWs initiatives in their projects that in turn may improve their livelihoods,” he said.

On his part, Zomba PAWs chairperson William Masapi who is a secondary school teacher and a farmer said PAWs have the potential to contribute to food and economic stability.

“That is if and only if we are recognized and empowered,” he said.

In reaction, Zomba CSOs treasurer Doskani Kumwenda who also works with Youth for Development and Productivity (Yodep) acknowledged the interface as an eye opener.

“Most of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have the components of persons with disabilities however we will advocate for focusing much on the PAWs to have their issues addressed,” he said.