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NetOne has once again joined forces with Hope For the Future Trust in an intervention that dovetails with its corporate social responsibility in an initiative meant to positively impact the lives of people with albinism.
Netone Regional Manager for Manicaland and Mashonaland East, Mr Farai Matope, on behalf of Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, said the event held in Mutare today was part of the belated International Albinism Awareness Day celebrations being held countrywide by the leading state-owned mobile telephony giant.
“As NetOne, we are glad to join hands with Hope For the Future Trust in Zimbabwe to celebrate and commemorate International Albinism Awareness under the hashtags #United in Making Our Voice heard and #Inclusion4equility. As NetOne, under our CSR Initiatives, we have supported different vulnerable and disadvantaged groups including those with albinism in communities we operate from around the country.
“NetOne through its management will continue to support people with albinism and we would like to assure the community that NetOne seeks to partake in this initiative to the various regions across the country as it is our mandate to ensure that we leave no place and no one behind NDSG1,” Mr. Matope said.
In her speech in recognition of the support from NetOne, Mrs. Mhlanga, the Founder of Hope For the Future Trust, said there is a need for raising awareness on the need to address the stigma and discrimination that people with albinism endure in society.
“We should raise awareness among communities that albinism is just a difference in the colour of the skin caused by gene mutation and nothing else. I appeal to NetOne to partner with us in road shows where we educate children in schools not to label students with albinism in derogatory terms like ‘Murungudunhu’ or ‘Musope’ since this lowers the self-esteem of people with albinism,” Mrs. Mhlanga said.
NetOne is spearheading a campaign to educate society on the fact that albinism is not a curse and as such, it has collaborated with Hope For the Future Trust in a partnership to create awareness, fight discrimination, stigma as well as marginalization against those with albinism.
Albinism is a rare condition, a genetically inherited difference that occurs at birth. It is non-contagious and is caused by a lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes causing a lack of defense to sunlight and bright light.
“As NetOne today we celebrate all people living with albinism all over the world on their special day. We share our opinion that people with albinism should enjoy the full privileges of all human rights and we implore other corporates and stakeholders to render their support as well. Today, NetOne does not only sponsor this event but also donates sun creams, lip balms, and sanitary pads which is part of its Albinism Is Not A Curse and Donate A Pad Campaign in Manicaland.
“As NetOne we believe the journey does not end here as there is more that needs to be done in ensuring that communities are educated to increase awareness that helps alleviate, uphold and protect the rights of people living with albinism,” Mr. Matope added.