Shortages and Barriers Impede Inclusive Education for Persons with Albinism in Malawi
APAM president highlights challenges faced by persons with albinism in accessing education during panel discussion with government officials.
DOWA, Malawi — Young Muhamba, President of the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM), has highlighted a range of challenges obstructing the promotion of inclusive education in schools throughout the nation, writes Bridget Mwanoka.
Among the impediments cited are a scarcity of specialised Special Needs teachers, structural limitations, and institutional and policy barriers.
Muhamba's remarks were made on Friday, August 10, 2023, in Dowa, following a panel discussion that APAM held with officials from the Ministries of Education and Gender.
"We have observed that Persons With Albinism (PWA) are grappling with substantial challenges in the realm of education. Many PWAs struggle to access education at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. To address these concerns, we engaged with the duty bearers to shed light on these issues," Muhamba stated.
He continued, underscoring that access to quality fundamental education remains a pressing issue for children and young individuals with Albinism.
Access is stifled by verbal abuse, bullying, stigma, discrimination, difficulties in comprehension, and the shackles of poverty, leading to a significant dropout rate.
While acknowledging these challenges, Peter Msendema, Chief Education Officer Responsible for Inclusive Education within the Ministry of Education, emphasised that the deployment of about 150 Special Needs Specialist Teachers, who have completed their Diploma studies at Montfort and Machinga Colleges, to various primary schools is underway.
"Although progress might seem gradual, it's essential to recognise that it's a comprehensive process. The government is steadfast in its commitment to achieving inclusive education. Measures are in place to bridge these gaps," Msendema explained.
The Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM), in partnership with Vision of Young Persons with Disabilities (VYPD) and Beyond Suncare (BSC), is executing a project titled "Inclusive Participation Enhancement for Persons with Albinism" (IPEPA) from August 2022 to December 2023.
The project is supported by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF) and seeks to bolster the inclusive participation of PWAs in all aspects of life in Malawi.