Precious Michael is a person with Albinism from Mangu local government of Plateau state. Presently, She is a Senior Secondary class II (SS 2) Student of Government Secondary school Daika in Mangu local government of Plateau state.
She is from the family of four children, they are three girls and a boy. Three out of the four children of her family are persons with Albinism. Herself, their only male child, who is her immediate elder brother, and her younger sister. it is only a female child is a person without albinism.
In a chat with our correspondent, Bulus Bala Izang, she talked about her challenges as a person with albinism in school.
TQM. What are some of the challenges you are facing in school as a person with Albinism?
My biggest challenge as a student with Albinism, is that of sight, l cannot see from far. I have problem of seeing writing on the board. This make me to depend on my classmates friends for notes and they have been quite understanding by giving me their notes to copy I at home.
TQM. Have thought of sitting in the front seats of the class, so that, you can see the writing on the board better. and making this known to your teachers?
Yes l have thought of it, but l prefer to sit with my friends, than sitting alone without them in front. The class is more accommodating with them, and we usually have our seat in the middle seats of the class.
TQM. Do your parents show you acceptance, understanding and support as a person with Albinism?
Yes they do, as they would do to any of their children.
TQM. How do people in your community see you?
I don’t have problem where l am known in my community, but in areas or streets that l am not known, when ever, l am in such areas, children call my names and some of the adults look at me in away that makes me uncomfortable. This really make to feel like staying at home.
In school l don’t face names calling and ill treatment, may be because they are used to seeing me.
TQM. Are your other two siblings with Albinism in school?
All of us are in school.
TQM. Who is paying for your education, the three of you?
Our parents.
TQM. What would you like to become in future?
I would like to become a lawyer.
TQM. What would be your call to the government and the community?
Ans. The government should help to educate members of our communities, that, we people with Albinism are human beings just like any other people, and we should not be call names or be ill treated.
TQM. Thank you miss. Precious for sharing you time with us.
Ans. You are welcome.
