Sunscreen for smiles:Stanbic Bank’s heartful donation
Enhancing the quality of life for individuals with albinism in Zimbabwe, Stanbic Bank has donated crucial protective items to the Albino Charity Organization of Zimbabwe (ALCOZ). The donation received on Tuesday, includes sunscreen lotion, lip balms, antibacterial soap, sunhats, antiseptic liquid and antiseptic ointment.
In an exclusive interview with AfroGazette News, Loveness Mainato, Founder and Director of the Albino Charity Organization of Zimbabwe (ALCOZ), expressed heartfelt gratitude to Stanbic Bank for their remarkable corporate social responsibility initiative, as the donated products are essential in protecting them from harmful heat radiation and preventing skin cancer.
“Stanbic Bank stands as a steadfast supporter of our albinism community, alleviating suffering through vital donations. Witnessing them suffering from blisters due to unmet basic needs is truly distressing. Lip balms, sunscreen, and protective skincare are fundamental to preventing cracked lips and skin rashes worsened by climate change.”
Mrs Mainato emphasized that ALCOZ will distribute the donated sunscreen lotions across 10 provinces, prioritizing marginalized communities to ensure vulnerable individuals with albinism receive essential protection from the harsh sun, regardless of their location.
“Distributing sunscreen products to people with albinism nationwide is a challenge, but we’re committed to fairness and equity. We’ll ensure remote areas, such as Binga, Gokwe in the Midlands, Mbire in Mashonaland Central, and others, also benefit, providing everyone with access to these vital products”.
She shed light on the harsh realities faced by individuals with albinism who frequently endure verbal abuse, discriminatory treatment, and exploitation even within their own families and communities.
“People with albinism are often stigmatized, receiving ridicule with names like Mukawu” “Muzungu used to marginalize them. Unfortunately, discrimination extends beyond verbal insults. Landlords frequently refuse to rent individuals with albinism, while schools perpetuate unfair treatment. For instance, a child with albinism may request a front-row seat due to vision impairment only to be met with indifference or dismissive remarks from teachers, such as “What’s so special about you?”,said Mainato.
She further highlighted that, “ln some African communities, harmful myths persist, fueling violence and exploitation against people with albinism. False beliefs include the notion that charms made from albino body parts bring good fortune, while others mistakenly claim that sleeping with a woman with albinism can cure HIV/AIDS”.
Mainato appealed to Zimbabweans and the world at large to embrace persons with albinism, fostering a culture of love, acceptance, protection, and support that values their unique contributions and promotes their equal rights.
“Albinism is a beautiful aspect of God’s diversity, not a limitation. Individuals with albinism deserve equal respect, love, and opportunities as everyone else with unique strengths and talents to celebrate. Let’s embrace them with open hearts”
ALCOZ aims to collaborate with additional partners to address and alleviate the challenges faced by individuals with albinism.
“As an organization, we’re seeking to partner with more stakeholders to achieve our goal of empowering individuals with albinism through sustainable income-generating projects. This enables them to become economically independent and break free from reliance on donor support,” she said.
Efforts to reach Stanbic Bank’s Communications Manager, Tendai Rafemoyo for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
President Cde. E.D. Mnangagwa’s declaration of “leaving no one and no place behind” is a visionary policy aimed at promoting inclusivity and equality for all Zimbabweans. The introduction of the Zimbabwe Disability Policy marks a significant milestone in this journey, addressing crucial aspects of social, political, and economic inclusion for vulnerable groups particularly individuals with disabilities.
