Subverting Stigma: How buildOn and EAC Create Educational Opportunities for Children with Albinism in Africa

In the rural community of Banankoro, Mali, 10-year-old Maimouna Bagayoko starts her school day with determination and hope. As a child with albinism, her journey to access quality primary education has been filled with obstacles that many children never face. Maimouna’s story illustrates how buildOn and Education Above All’s Educate A Child program (EAC) are working together to overcome discrimination and create inclusive learning environments for all children–regardless of their cirucmstances.

The Challenges Faced by Children with Albinism in Africa

Albinism is a genetic condition that affects skin, hair, and eyesight. Though in Europe and North America approximately 1 in 20,000 people have albinism, the rates are higher in Africa. In Mali, as in many parts of the continent, children with albinism often face discrimination, social stigma, and even threats to their safety. They are frequently seen as different, sometimes even as bad omens, and are excluded from opportunities that other children take for granted—especially education.

According to Under The Same Sun, a nonprofit organization advocating for people with albinism, children with this condition often face:

• Social exclusion and bullying in schools
• Higher dropout rates due to visual impairments and lack of accommodations
• Discrimination based on superstitions and myths
• Reduced access to educational opportunities
• Safety concerns in some regions where harmful beliefs persist

In rural areas like Banankoro, myths and misconceptions about albinism persist, and many families believe that children with the condition will never succeed academically or socially.

“My vision is not clear, and this affects my education,” Maimouna explains. “My father refused to let me go to school because I am different from the other children.”

A Mother’s Determination Changes Everything

“My father refused to let me go to school because I am different from the other children.” —Maimouna

For Maimouna, the societal prejudice against albinism reached into her own home, with her own father, Danceni, being reluctant to let her attend school. However, her mother, Djenebou Traore, refused to accept that fate for her daughter. She tirelessly worked to convince her husband, explaining that education is a right for all children.

buildOn and EAA/EAC: Building More Than Just Schools

Maimouna finally got the chance to access education, thanks to the partnership project between buildOn and EAA/EAC, that built a brand new school in Banankoro, alongside the people of the community. The new classrooms provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all children.

As highlighted in a previous blog about our work with EAA/EAC, our partnership goes beyond simply constructing buildings. We create inclusive spaces where all children, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, can learn together, including children like Maimouna!

“There are buildOn’s new, suitable classrooms in our own community now,” Djenebou told Danceni. “Every child, without discrimination, can now have access to education, and we can follow our children’s progress until the 6th grade.”

At long last, Maimouna’s father finally agreed to let his daughter go to school. For the first time, Maimouna could sit in a classroom without fear, surrounded by children who, like her, were eager to learn.

The Impact of Inclusive Education

Now in the 3rd grade, Maimouna attends school regularly. For Maimouna, this school represents hope—a chance to overcome not only the barriers of albinism, but also the deep-seated prejudices that have kept children like her in the shadows for too long.

According to the World Bank, children with disabilities in West Africa are among the most likely individuals to be excluded from education, and thereby left behind economically. Globally, each extra year of schooling correlates to a 9% increase in hourly earnings—and in sub-Saharan Africa, it can be as high as 12.5%. For children with albinism, who face heightened discrimination in employment markets, education becomes even more crucial for their future independence and wellbeing. The work buildOn and EAA/EAC do together directly addresses this inequality by creating both physical infrastructure and social change.

The Ongoing Need for Albinism Support and Awareness

While Maimouna’s story represents progress, the challenges facing children with albinism across Africa remain significant. Across the continent, many children with albinism continue to face extreme forms of discrimination. We’re proud to partner with EAA/EAC to be part of the solution and reach the most marginalized communities, so that children like Maimouna can dream of a brighter, more inclusive future.

Will you support our efforts to make sure all children can get an education? Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.