MALAWI: Zomba Diocese CCJP Distributes Bicycles to Volunteers Under Albinism Project
Alumando (right) donating bicycle to Chiumia
Mastone Peter
The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) in Zomba Diocese says it appreciates the role Community Rights Group representatives play in addressing challenges facing people with albinism in Zomba and Machinga Districts.
CCJP Assistant Project Coordinator for Zomba Diocese Charles Alumando was speaking when the commission was distributing bicycles to Community Rights Group representatives as one way of trying to ease mobility challenges they face when discharging their duties that fall under Albinism Project.
The aim of the project is to lobby and advocate for the rights of people with albinism and provide support for serious violations of their human rights that are fueled by misconceptions about albinism.
“These Community Rights Group representatives are the eyes of CCJP because they are the ones who identify people with albinism and the challenges they face in the society where they are living, hence the need for them to have a means of transport to enable them do their job effectively,” added Alumando.
Alumando also said that the coming in of the bicycles should be a motivating factor and asked the recipients to do more in trying to reach out as many people with albinism with an aim of reporting to CCJP any challenges they are find out for a possible intervention.
for CCJP volunteers
The CCJP Assistant Project Coordinator also advised the Community Rights Group representatives to work hand in hand with chiefs to ensure that rights of the people with albinism are fully and sustainably advocated for and protected without compromise.
Speaking after receiving the bicycles, one of the group’s representatives, Emmie Chiumia, said she is very grateful for the donation, saying that it will enable her reach far and wide, trying to help people understand what albinism is all about.
The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zomba Diocese is implementing a two-year Albinism Project in most parts of Zomba and Machinga districts with funding from European Union through SCIAF.
In Zomba district, the project in being implemented in the areas of Senior Chiefs Chikowi, Mulumbe and Mwambo while in Machinga, the project was rolled out in Traditional Authorities Mchunguza, Nkowola and Ngokwe.
