Albino Foundation wants school teachers tutored on knowledge, practices of albinism
NAN-HG-11
Albinism
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Oct. 21, 2016 (NAN) The Albino Foundation (TAF), an NGO, has called on Federal Government to train teachers on knowledge, attitude and practices of albinism to enable students living with albinism strive in their educational pursuit.
Mr Jake Epelle, President of the foundation, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
He said teachers play an important role in the educational pursuit and general productivity of their students especially children that are physically challenged.
Epelle said wrong attitude towards children with albinism takes a negative toll on their emotional state and productivity in life.
He said lack of proper knowledge on the part of the children hinders them from living better lives.
He stated that children with albinism experience skin cancer, body and mouth odour, and short sightedness.
He said the role of teachers was very important because they interact with the children daily and should be well equipped on proper care and best techniques to transfer knowledge to them.
“Schools should be engaged in control and persuasion techniques, because children lose self-confidence and self-esteem and also fall victim of bullies in school.
“They struggle with visual impairment, feeling of inferiority, shyness and are withdrawn because they are few in school and the larger population is made up of children with the normal skin colour.
“Teachers should protect them from name calling and abuses, exonerate and discourage them from hard labour and playing in the sun to avoid skin infection.’’
He added that the children should always be seated in front of the class because of their sight and more time to write their exams and school tests.
Besides, Epelle urged the government to promote and provide simple instructional and educational materials that could advance their learning interest.
He said a white board and a black pen should be provided in all schools for better viewing and understanding for the children.
He said the government should also provide scholarship and free health care services to examine their sight while creating an enabling environment for free education at all levels.
Epelle further advised teachers to love and care for all children, treat them equally and make them have a sense of belonging. (NAN)
TIM/AK/MST
Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Muhammad Suleiman Tola