NetOne partners ALCOZ in albinism support initiatives

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State-owned mobile telephony giant, NetOne, has partnered with Albino Charity Organization of Zimbabwe (ALCOZ) in an initiative that supports people with albinism as part of its corporate social responsibility.

 

Netone Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, in a speech read by the Netone Matebeleland Regional Manager Ms. Elmah Dube at the belated International Albinism Awareness Day Celebrations in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province over the weekend, revealed the company’s commitment to addressing challenges faced by people with albinism.

Netone Matebeleland Regional Manager Ms Elmah Dube (C) donating sun hats and other protective materials to people with albinism

“As NetOne we are glad to join hands with ALCOZ 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 have donated sun creams, lip balms, and sun hats. We would like to assure the community that NetOne seeks to partake in this initiative in the various regions across the country as it is our mandate to ensure that we leave no place and no one behind NDSG1,” he said.

The Netone chief said albinism is not a curse and as such, the company collaborated with ALCOZ in a partnership to create awareness, fight discrimination, stigma and marginalization against those living 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 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.

“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,” he added.