By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja – The Albino Foundation (TAF), an NGO, on Monday, said it commenced training and sensitisation programme on albinism rights to protect persons living with the condition in the country.
The President of the foundation, Mr Jake Epelle, made this known in an interview with the New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Epelle said that the training was aimed at getting professionals who would protect the fundamental rights of persons living with albinism.
He added that the training, under albinism rights project, was designed in three stages beginning
with the training of no fewer than 50 persons drawn from the North central region of the country.
He noted that the trainees presently served as right advocates for persons with albinism in various communities of FCT, as well as in Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa and Kwara states.
He said that “during the training, our members will be sensitised on identifying their fundamental rights as provided in the constitution.
“The trained professionals will also be equipped on leadership skills and how to protect albinos against abuse and discrimination, as well as seek redress when their rights are violated.”
Epelle added the foundation would partner with FCT Education Board to sensitise 120 head teachers and principals from primary and secondary schools across the FCT in October on albinism rights.
He explained that it was paramount for teachers to understand the rights of persons with albinism so they could mitigate the level of discrimination and abuse against children with albinism in schools.
Teachers, he noted, would acquire knowledge on socio-cultural myths and beliefs about albinos and how to cope and encourage children with albinism in schools.
He announced that the foundation was planning a workshop on albinism rights in partnership with Federal Ministry of Justice for judiciary and security agencies in the FCT.
He said judges, magistrates, members of the bar, police, immigration, among others, would be trained on protection and enforcement of rights of albinos.
He pointed out that the process of creating awareness among professionals and the Nigerian citizens had commenced as pilot scheme in the FCT and would be replicated in other states of the federation.
He said persons with albinism experienced psychological challenges due to stigmatisation and discrimination “but with increased understanding about their condition, they may be treated a lot better.” (NAN)