On 12 June 2026, the eve of International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD), the Association for the Welfare of Albinos (AWA) held a sensitisation campaign in Bamenda. This year’s theme was “Proudly in my skin: celebrating all skin tones.” As part of the campaign, two children supported by AWA went on air at CRTV Bamenda with journalist Yukfu Sylvie Bantar. They spoke openly about their lives, their schooling, what they like and dislike, and what it means to them to belong to AWA.
We are proud to share their voices with you.
“AWA has brought smiles to our family”
The first child is one of the beneficiaries of AWA’s scholarship programme. She spoke warmly about how happy she is to belong to AWA. She explained that AWA’s support has gone beyond her school fees: it has also helped her parents. In her own words, AWA has put smiles on the faces of her family.
“A home of comfort”
The second child is also on scholarship, through the generosity of our sponsor Mr. Nchini Terence. He described the first time he met other children who share his skin. It was a moment that changed how he sees himself. He called AWA “a place to be” and “a home of comfort,” and reminded listeners that “learning never ends.”
Talking about school
Both children spoke honestly about the challenges they face in school and the encouragement that keeps them going. Their testimonies show why AWA continues its Send a Child with Albinism to School initiative. They also show why we developed the Teacher’s Booklet with Lancaster University, which helps teachers make their classrooms more inclusive.
Why their voices matter
For too long, children with albinism have been spoken about rather than heard. When children speak for themselves on public radio, as these two did, they challenge stigma, give other families hope, and remind communities that every skin tone deserves to be celebrated.
Thank you
AWA sincerely thanks:
- CRTV Bamenda and journalist Yukfu Sylvie Bantar, for giving the children a platform;
- Mr. Nchini Terence and all our sponsors, for keeping children in school;
- the families, who allowed their children to share their stories.
Help another child smile
- 35,000 FCFA covers one child’s school fees for a year.
- 10,000 FCFA buys one bottle of SPF 50+ sunscreen.
- Share this video to help spread the message: proudly in my skin.
