17 Jun 2018

Five Broadhurst churches of UCCSA, Lutheran, Anglican, Spiritual Healing and Methodist on June 15 donated 150 sun screen lotions, 140 epimax body creams, t-shirts and 170 hats to the Albinism Society of Botswana (ASB).

Speaking at the handover ceremony, a representative of the churches, Ms Tumisang Baruti from UCCSA said the donation was a way of helping ASB to help people with albinism. Ms Baruti said people with albinism needed to take precautions regarding the sun to avoid damage to their skin, adding that the protective clothing would go a long way in helping.

She said the donation would also strengthen the relationship between the church and society as well as bring more people to the church. Ms Baruti indicated that they had also extended a helping hand to other organisations.

The President of ASB, Mr Fraizah Gaonakala appreciated the donation, saying it would bring smiles to the people living with albinism, as they would know that they were loved and appreciated.

He said giving back to the community should be every business, church, organisation and individual’s duty.

“We are very happy to receive the sun screens and other products because some people living with albinism cannot afford to buy them as they are expensive” he said.

Mr Gaonakala said people living with albinism were at risk of isolation because their condition was often misunderstood, adding that social stigmatisation could occur, especially within communities where other family members are dark skinned.

He further said due to significant vision impairment, most people living with albinism struggle with reading from the chalk board.

Mr Gaonakala said teachers and educators must make extra efforts to reorganise the classroom setup, advocating for the use of black chalk boards so that the contrast of the white chalk may enhance read-ability. The

Chairman of Albinism Society of Botswana, Mr Sargent Kgosietsile thanked the five churches for the benevolence, noting that partnership between the Society and the churches could help improve the lives of people living with albinism. ENDS