The Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi-Malawi – Apam have singled out says inadequate special needs teachers in schools is a challenge affecting learners with albinism.

Apam’s vice president Emmie Chiumia Chakwana said this in Thyolo when parents and guardians of children with albinism were trained on promotion and protecting of their rights.

“It is worrisome that we have few or no teachers who can handle learners with special needs in our schools.

And this is a setback for them to accessing quality basic education,” said Chakwana.

On her part, UNESCO’S assistant programmes officer for communication and information Ruth Mpinganjira said they realise how people with albinism are descriminated against in various circles of education, health and among others, the project seeks to raise awareness on safeguarding their rights.

One of the participants Fyness Chigubudu from T/A Bvumbwe hailed the sessions, saying they will go a long way in addressing the gaps they had in providing basic care and support to their children with albinism.

Apam, with financial support from UNESCO Malawi National Commission, is currently implementing a year’s project on enhancing the protection of persons with albinism in the districts of Thyolo, Balaka and Nsanje, to the tune of over K30 million.