Journalists drilled on Albinism rights

The Association of Persons with Albinism – APAM is highlighting the role that the media has in shaping positive societal attitudes towards members of this community.

The grouping’s president, Young Mhamba, made the remarks in Blantyre on Thursday at the start of a training session for media personnel on the rights of persons with albinism.

The training was organised in partnership with MISA Malawi with support from the Malawi Commission for UNESCO.

Mhamba is confident that the training will help the media best handle stories concerning people with albinism.

“We wanted to train the media the best approach in positive reporting because we have seen that there are some issues that need to be worked on. For example, the use of wrong terminologies like alubino instead of saying a person with albinism, a disabled instead of saying a person with disabilities. So, we believe that this training will make them capable of reporting positively and inspire the general public.” Stated Mhamba.

Meanwhile, Acting deputy executive secretary for National Commission for UNESCO, David Mulera, concurs with Mhamba.

Mulera hopes that myths and misconception on people with albinism will also be addressed in the process.

He said; “we feel that the training is going to empower them so that they can prepare content that addresses the issues that are there on the ground.”

In her remarks, MISA Malawi vice chairperson Chisomo Ngulube stressed the crucial role that journalists have in disseminating relevant information to the masses.

“It is for this reason that media practitioners need to have proper knowledge and information to be able to report correctly on issues concerning people with albinism,” Ngulube said.

Ngulube urged participants to take the training seriously so as to enhance their understanding as they strive to report professionally on matters concerning the community.