The harsh reality for people living with albinism is that they have to live in fear each day; fear that they could be abducted and killed so that their body parts can be traded. For those that are able to overcome the fear of being outdoors, they face another challenge – the stares that feed into their discomfort. 

Although we live in an increasingly advancing world, stereotypes still take precedence in most African communities. In Kenya, albinism is still seen as anything but what it truly is – a skin condition. There are reports of women abandoning their children with the skin condition because of the community belief that it is associated with curses. The discrimination of people living with albinism has been on the rise for quite some time, but Judith Apiyo Ojoro has decided to use her educational platform to initiate a change, giving those living with the condition a sense of belonging.  

Judith is a Religious Studies teacher, as well as the deputy headteacher at Sega Girls Primary School in Siaya County. Hers is a passion for empowering minds to understand complex situations and triggering a call-to-action.  

In 2016, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize (an annual literary competition that welcomes stories from around the world) themed its contest around belonging. This opportune topic excited Judith, who wrote and submitted her story around albinism. Judith relished the opportunity to share a story on the stigma people living with albinism face. Her aim was to share with the world the facts of albinism – that it was not a curse but a critical skin condition; that no one had any control over it; and that with the right care, people could lead normal lives. Her effort did not go unsung. Judith emerged seventh overall, a noteworthy position for a competition that received over 4000 story entries from writers all around the world. 

Presently, Judith holds workshops in various schools – educating both teachers and students on the theme of belonging. Her target is primarily educational institutions that have enrolled children with albinism. 

Spurred on by her work’s performance, she continues to work towards eradicating ignorance. A Paukwa positive spirit indeed!