Kinshasa, June 8th, 2026 (CPA).- Parental love within the family was recommended as a key factor in strengthening the self-esteem of children with albinism during the launch ceremony of Albinism Awareness Week held on Monday in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
“Everything begins within the family. A child born with albinism must first be cherished by his or her parents. When parents reject their child simply because of albinism, they strip that child of his or her identity and self-confidence,” said Nadine Mukenge, President of the League for the Defense of Albinism (LIDA) of Belgium. According to her, the lack of love and support within the family circle is one of the main causes of the withdrawal and isolation observed among some persons with albinism. “When a child is constantly told that he or she is worthless and incapable, the child eventually believes it. Once that belief takes root, everything falls apart and life can become a disaster. Some people even end up taking their own lives because they receive no support from their own environment,” she lamented. The association leader urged parents to give their children with albinism the same love and consideration as all other members of the family. “I would like to ask parents of children with albinism to love them wholeheartedly and show them that, despite their difference, they remain the same children and deserve the same affection,” she insisted.
Self-esteem promoted as the key to resilience
Addressing persons with albinism directly, Mrs. Mukenge encouraged them to build self-esteem and take pride in their identity. “A person with albinism is a human being like everyone else. We have the right to life and we are capable of achieving anything. We must always remain focused on who we are and always be proud of living with albinism,” she affirmed. Recalling her personal journey, the President of LIDA attributed her resilience to the unwavering support she received from her parents during childhood. “We were our parents’ princesses. They always showed us that we had our place in society and taught us to walk with our heads held high. That is what helped me grow up free from feelings of inferiority,” she testified.
Invited to Kinshasa as part of the activities marking the tenth anniversary of Fièrement Ndundu, Mrs. Mukenge is taking part in the “Exceptional Lights” Albinism Awareness Week, organized from June 8th to 15th at the Wallonia-Brussels Centre.