The Women and Girls with Albinism Network (WGWAN) has commended the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for providing protective items to support children with albinism as schools reopen across Nigeria.
The organisation said children with albinism deserve more than access to classrooms, stressing that they also require practical support to enable them to learn, participate and thrive safely in school environments.
The items, which include wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sleeves and sunscreen, were donated to NCPWD through the support of ECOWAS and subsequently distributed to children with albinism. WGWAN said the intervention would contribute to promoting the health, safety and participation of children with albinism in schools.
The organisation expressed appreciation to NCPWD for facilitating the support and to ECOWAS for its commitment to advancing inclusion and the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities across the West African region.
WGWAN said the intervention was particularly significant as children with albinism return to school, noting that appropriate sun-protection measures can help address preventable barriers that may affect their participation in education.
The network reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that children and young people with albinism are not left behind because of preventable barriers, stressing that inclusion must translate into practical support, safer learning environments and equal opportunities.
According to the organisation, building truly inclusive schools requires more than policies and physical access, as children with albinism must also be provided with the resources and support needed to participate fully and safely in learning.
WGWAN called for continued collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, schools and communities to strengthen support for children with albinism.
The organisation said it remains committed to working with partners to build schools and communities where children with albinism are protected, included and empowered to reach their full potential.
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