Ster-Kinekor celebrates all colours of life on Albinism Awareness Day

International Albinism Awareness Day is celebrated annually on June 13 to celebrate the human rights of people with albinism worldwide.

In support of this important day, Ster-Kinekor’s flagship CSI programme, Vision Mission, collaborated with the non-governmental organisation Kasie Albinism Foundation to present an exciting programme at Ster-Kinekor Sandton City.

The programme kicked off in style and included a panel discussion, a hand-over of spectacles to 33 deserving children with albinism, and the screening of the poignant documentary I, Mary, which takes an in-depth and highly intimate look at the experience of albinism through the eyes of Regina Mary Ndlovu.

A coach, actress, motivational speaker and activist who has made it her mission to make albinism more visible in society and the media, Regina Mary Ndlovu graced the attendees with her presence.

The panel discussion comprised experts in their fields, including Dr Boitumelo Kenoshi, a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon; Matarenda Shumba, a civic engagement leader; Anneline Mathiba, Proud Albinism founder; and Refiloe Molefe, an optometrist and owner of Opti Eyewear.

According to Freeman Mxume, founder of the Kasie Albinism Foundation, the collaboration and work with Ster-Kinekor, now in its second year, has so far been the most significant project they have embarked on as an organisation.

The Kasie Albinism Foundation was founded in 2018 with the goal of advocating for service delivery to people with albinism.

Speaking at the event, he said, “This collaboration enabled us to provide spectacles to those most in need within our communities, as vision problems are one of the most difficult challenges facing people with albinism.”

He states that he believes this will have a significant impact on their albinism community because it will reduce the number of school dropouts due to children being bullied at school because they cannot see properly.

CSI Expert at Ster-Kinekor, Geraldine Engelman, said, “We are delighted to partner and work together with the Kasie Albinism Foundation to assist youngsters in receiving proper eye care.”

We are happy that we handed over the spectacles to 33 learners to enhance their quality of life, help them do better in school, and let them enjoy movies more.

The programme ended with a special screening of I, Mary.

Regina Mary Ndlovu said she is happy to see that there are people who keep and acknowledge the day, as it is important to the albinism community.

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