My name is Kudzaishe Chidakwa from Zimbabwe. I am a young 25-year-old male currently working in the Information Technology field professionally. I am also founder and current chairperson of Eagles Wings Albinism Care, a non-profit focusing on persons with albinism operating in Zimbabwe.
In 2018, I was part of a cohort of 20 young African Leaders from Southern Africa to be invited on a Study of the U.S Institute (SUSI) program hosted by FIUTS. As a young person with albinism looking to make an impact on the world and seeking to find ways to do this, the opportunity came at the right time to help me refine and define my goals, journey and purpose as each experience pushed me to discover myself, understand those around me, and dare to make a difference more boldly.
Today we celebrate International Day of Albinism, a day that comes once a year per the calendar, but its responsibility stretches far beyond the 24 hours we have to celebrate it. It seems quite surreal that no one could have imagined, when we celebrated this day last year, what the world would look like today. None of us! In the uncertain times we are living in and as so much about the world we know is changing, it almost seems like a perfect time to also re-chart the course for minority groups all over, including persons with albinism. Unfortunately, in my country and community- and I am sure the same can be said of many other communities around the world right now- persons with disabilities and minority groups have been among the most harshly affected by the effects of COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns.
For most persons with albinism, their daily survival has been hinged on fending for themselves and maybe their families through meagre earnings. During this time of lockdown however, that livelihood has been threatened and all but extinguished and reliance on social welfare departments has brought dire results as the systems our country has in place simply are failing to cope with the demand. The result? For most, going days on end without food. If one is lucky, being able to afford one meal a day is a triumph. Winter also approaches and with it the reality that one has little to no adequate clothing to weather the harsh elements that lie ahead.
It is quite sad to note that such a day comes and goes, and all it results in is a hashtag, some photo-op, some speech here and there and that is it. Till the next year rolls around, till the next global celebration date comes by and we go with that trend. But the harsh truth is the hard work, the REAL work is what goes on in the 364 days between these dates where we celebrate Albinism or any other movement that we choose to look forward to.
For me, as a person with albinism, I at times cringe because of how society is quick to latch on to the celebration, none taking time to find out what they can do to make an impact then, as quickly, moving on to the next. It is my hope that we begin to act decisively towards creating that societal equality that we speak of, that will see movements going beyond the hype, the hashtag and the media frenzy such that true change can be realized, not just for persons with albinism but even other worthy causes that we choose to champion.
I am proud that since that journey of creating lasting change began for me, it has since grown into an organization I am honoured to lead called Eagles Wings Albinism Care & Support, a trust which we aim to use to effect this change one person at a time. For now, this will mean finding ways to assist the vulnerable of our community to survive COVID-19 through offering food aid packages and winter wear wherever possible, while also amplifying the message of the World Health Organization on best practices to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic.
I dare to dream that by doing our own small part, we allow ourselves to change the world, and not let it change us.
Happy International Albinism Day.