By Stephen Katongo
I am Stephen Katongo, aged 14 and I have albinism. I am in grade seven and this year and will be writing my grade seven composite examination in October/November 2023. We are five in the family and I am the first born. My mother and father are so brown. At this time, I have come to understand that there are Albino persons, from both sides of my family. From my mother’s side and my grandmother who is almost Albino. The skin (white) and the eyes (poor vision) explain everything. From my father’s side I have two first cousins who are albinos and these two are at St Mary’s Special School. We four are together at School, namely myself Stephen, my sister Gift Katongo, my cousins Kennedy Mwila and Gift Mushili.
When I started my grade one at St Odilia Special School, my parents were complaining of transport and other school requisitions. I really felt bad but I never expressed anything. It was just burning within me, until when I was in grade three. About that time my father’s sister come to our home and asked my father if I can be staying with her and my father agreed without hesitation. It was during that holiday that my aunt opted to get a transfer for me from St Odilia Special School to St Mary’s Special School, as it was much closer to where she lives. I was very happy. Immediately, my sister, Gift, cried to go School. She was young, and she insisted strongly. Sr Bibian, who come for us, gave a condition to my aunt that, “For any difficulty, she will be asked to return back home”. My sister, Gift, never cried up to this date and she is now in grade three. For the next term my two cousins I already mentioned already have joined.
My academic performance is good from the beginning and I always encourage my sister and cousins to work extra hard. After learning that Albinism is inherited, I said within myself that I SHOULD LIVE ABOVE AIBINISM. All the negatives from the society and other people, I never minded. From time to time, I was sad and I visited my guidance teacher to ask about life and about my wellbeing. The first advice was self-acceptance and discipline. Secondly was having a vision and studying hard, lastly, was that every day I should set a goal. These are my principles. I started by passing good grades in class and joining the debate club. In 2021, I came Fourth; in 2022 I was third at zonal level. There was no competition at the district level. This year, I am participating in quizzes and paper presentation at district level. I am so happy that my paper was picked. I am among those who will represent the district, the only albino pupil. Surely, my life is full of hope. I have hope that I will excel and do better. What is within me is that I break the barrier of complaining and self-pity and pray that I meet people in my life who can help me step forward.
When Mr. John (MacInnis), Madam Charlotte and Betty Jane visited our school, I admired them. Listen to me, one day I want to be like John fixing window panes, one day I want to be like Betty Jane playing musical instruments, one day I want to be a teacher like Charlotte who was dedicated in teaching literacy (reading).MY LIFE IS FULL OF HOPE.
In the picture Stephen Katongo is wearing a Zambian flag after winning quiz questions and paper presentation in social studies on Sunday 26th March 2023. The flag is the sign of been a hero in the district under primary category.
Inverness County Cares (ICC) is a local charitable organization, founded in 2012 and based in Inverness County, NS, Canada. ICC works in partnership with Chalice.ca, a Canadian charity, based in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Chalice provides guidance and assistance to help us provide a better life for the children at the Kawambwa schools. The Kawambwa Project involves supporting two schools for albino and visually impaired students, in Northern Zambia. Inverness County Cares always welcomes new members. Individuals who wish to donate, can use the donate button on our website https://invernesscountycares.com When using E-transfer, please include your mailing address for CRA tax receipts and a thank you message. E-transfer address: [email protected] or send a cheque to Inverness County Cares, 5414 Route 19, Judique, NS, Canada, B0E1P0. Taxation receipts provided for USA and Canada.
Stephen in back, his sister Gift Katongo (middle) Kennedy Mwila (right), Gift Mushili(left)