Mothers and children who received new spectacles courtesy of Ster-Kinekor Vision Mission
Story by Simon Manda
To observe and celebrate International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD), Ster-Kinekor recently partnered with Ekurhuleni-based Kasie Albinism Foundation in Sandton, Johannesburg, on the 13th of June, 2023.
The Ster-Kinekor longstanding CSI project, Vision Mission, which provides eye care for children in underprivileged areas, presented spectacles to 33 children with albinism after conducting eye tests in areas around Gauteng.
“I’m thankful for the intervention by Ster-Kinekor, which is now in its second year,” remarked Freeman Chauke, founder of Kasie Albinism Foundation.
“To date, we have managed to do eye tests for over 100 people with albinism in the areas of Katlehong, Thokoza, Vosloorus, Soweto, Tembisa, Springs, KwaThema, Daveyton, and Tshwane. The aim is to cover the whole of Gauteng as far as the partnership exists.
We have provided more than 70 people with spectacles, and we are still appealing to companies that can join us to assist those who still have not received glasses,” Chauke added.
Geraldine Engelman, Head of CSI at Ster-Kinekor, emphasized the need to support persons with albinism by raising awareness and providing interventions through their initiative, Vision Mission.
“The eyesight challenges that people with albinism as a disability are often overlooked, so it is important to provide practical solutions to enhance vision to include them in daily activities,” she said.
“That is also why we partnered with professionals that can talk about physical needs and issues that need to be addressed,” Engelman added.
The event also had professionals and activists discuss the initiative’s various components. The panellists included Boitumelo Kenoshi-Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Matarenda Shumba-Civic Engagement Leader Anneline Mathiba- Proud Albinism founder and ambassador, and Refiloe Molefe -Optometrist and Owner of Opti Eyewear, who discussed different topics that included the link between lack of melanin and the need of skin care plus other eyesight related concerns.
“We partnered with Vision Mission to address visual impairments and alleviate visual anomalies,” said Molefe.
“Visual correction can be achieved through spectacles, contact lenses, and low-vision special devices. These include magnifiers, telescopes, specialized or electronic computers or software, contrast-enhancing aids, etc. We offer recommendations depending on individuals’ needs.”
After the presentation of the spectacles, guests, and children were treated to an award-winning film documentary screening, I, Mary, portraying the biographical story of Regina-Mary Ndlovu- the founder and host of the YouTube channel talk show @My Voice: Albinism the New Era”. Ndlovu is an advocate and activist for albinism awareness.
Chauke also thanked various albinism awareness organizations involved, including Beauty by Nature, Albinism Renaissance, Tassie Foundation, and the National Albinism Task Force.
The provision of spectacles to assist in the children’s vision was in line with the 2023 IAAD theme, “Inclusion is Strength,” and built on last year’s theme of ensuring the inclusion of the voices of persons with albinism in all spheres of life. It emphasized the importance of including diverse groups within and outside the albinism community.
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I, MARY Official Trailer 2021 from Elafos Productions on Vimeo.
