MULUGO LAUNCHES THE HANDBOOK GUIDELINE ON PERSONS WITH ALBINISM IN DAR

THE  Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, in collaboration with  under the same sun (UTSS),  an  international organization aimed  at  highlighting  the  plight of persons  with albinism (PWAS) launched  the first  of its kind  in Africa,  the  guideline  on how to offer  better  and  quality education”  to  pupils and  students with  albinism associated with vision problem.

The launch was officiated  by the Deputy Minister  for Education and Vocational Training  Mr. Philipo Mulugo  at  Serena  Hotel in Dar es Salaam  on Wednesday, 3,000 copies of the guideline  manual  sponsored  by  UNICEF  have  so far been printed  and  would be distributed  to education  stakeholders  throughout  Tanzania.

Some  copies  were distributed  to  all participants, which included  District  Education Officers, Regional Education Officers,  Ministry of Education Officers  and   the  media  personnel. 

Speaking during the launch,  Mr.  Mulugo  said  the  handbook guideline manual  would  be used  as a tool to enable  education officers  and  teachers  alike,  to handle  pupils and  students in their  respective schools in a more appropriate  manner.

He noted  that although the  Ministry  had  a  adopted  a policy on students  with  disabilities in general, it is the first time  a particular  hand book on guideline for persons with albinism has  been  launched.

“I want this book to reach every corner of our Country and every education officer headmaster and education practitioner to get it,” he ordered.

He urged UNICEF to sponsor printing of more copies so that the handbook guideline manual could be made available.

According to him, this was one way of solving the problem persons with albinism face from time to time and the government was keen in meeting their needs.

On his side Peter  Ash,  the  UTSS  Chief  Executive Officer  and  founder  said  it is essential for the Community in Tanzania to treat persons  with albinism as  human beings.

“Kindly protect persons with albinism, they are human beings created by God himself like any other human being ,” he said.

It is  encouraging  to note  that  the government has so far taken stringent  measures  to address  the problem of attacks  and killing  of  PWAs  in Tanzania.

We  urge more  measures  to be taken to ensure that  attacks on PWAs  is  stopped completely  and  their  welfare   guaranteed.