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Stakeholders from all walks of life gathered in the Midlands Province on Saturday for the highly subscribed NetOne Albinism Fun and Talent Day 2022 which was meant to spotlight the need for collaboration in ameliorating challenges faced by people with albinism.
In remarks by the Netone Head of Marketing and Public Relations, Ms. Roselyn Chisveto, on behalf of the Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani at the NetOne Albinism Fun and Talent Day 2022, the mobile telephone company reiterated its commitment to addressing challenges that people with albinism grapple with.
“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 – therefore ‘Not A Curse’
“As NetOne we are glad to join hands with all Albinism Charity Foundations and Organizations in Zimbabwe to celebrate and commemorate this special day in the organization’s calendar. NetOne continues to carry the ‘banner’ #UnitedInMakingOurVoiceHeard and #Inclusion4equility as prescribed by the International Albinism Association,” Ms Chisveto said.
The awareness campaigns that the organization is running across the country are also part of the national mantra by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, his Excellence Dr. E.D Mnangagwa of ‘Leaving No One or Place Behind.’ These campaigns are meant to fight stigma and societal stereotypes.
The Netone corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy hinges on uplifting previously marginalized communities including the Albinism community. The organization’s thrust is to put end to such a ‘social ill’ as it believes ‘Albinism is not a curse. It is just a different skin pigment. Living with Albinism does not disqualify one from enjoying the privileges that are inscribed as human rights.
As part of creating a strong CSR brand, NetOne, this year has done a number of awareness initiatives and events around the country. These include the commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day 2022 (Masvingo, Manicaland, Bulawayo, Mash-West), Mr & Miss Albinism 2022 (Harare), and Clean-Up Campaign (Mash-West), only to mention a few.
“Today we are experiencing an event where we are celebrating talent and diversity here in the Midlands. We shall continue with these campaigns across the length and breadth of the country.
“NetOne through its management will continue to support people living 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 to the various regions across the country as it is our mandate to ensure that we leave no place and no one behind in terms of the National Development Strategy (NDS1),” Ms. Chisveto added.