Ceremony in Brazzaville Highlights Inclusive Education
An lively award ceremony took place at a primary school in Brazzaville on October 11th as the Jhony-Chancel Association for Albinos and the Restoring Smiles group presented boxes of notebooks, pens, and geometry kits to dozens of children living with albinism.
The audience included parents, teachers, several civil society partners, and Deputy Minister Jean Luc Okio, whose presence demonstrated the government’s interest in stronger social protection measures for vulnerable students. A representative from the Russian Federation embassy was also present, reflecting an external partnership that has steadily grown in recent years.
Civil Society Generates Lasting Impact
Founded in 2014, the Jhony-Chancel Association for Albinos (AJCA) quickly evolved from advocacy to practical service. It opened a dedicated clinic on April 21, 2017, to provide free dermatological and ophthalmological care, as well as medical evacuations when local treatment proves insufficient.
Specialists from Mali, Uganda, Belgium, and Russia have periodically volunteered at the facility, earning it a reputation as a modest yet influential regional center. For Jhony Chancel Ngamouana, who leads AJCA, such cooperation demonstrates that community initiative can mobilize global expertise for local benefit.
Education as a Path to Dignity
AJCA spokesperson Sylvia Okandzé reminded children that education remains “one of the keys to personal and collective development.” Providing school supplies, she argued, gives students the chance to dream, hope, and build a future where they actively contribute to national progress.
Her message extended to parents, many of whom face financial pressures at the start of each school year. By easing this burden, the organizations aim to remove a silent barrier that can keep youth with albinism at home rather than in the classroom.
Health Protection Remains an Urgent Priority
The charities distributed broad-spectrum sunscreen and gentle skincare products alongside the notebooks. In a tropical climate with intense ultraviolet exposure, proper creams can prevent painful burns and reduce long-term skin cancer risk.
“Well-protected skin means a better-preserved life,” emphasized Okandzé, linking health to school continuity. When lesions are prevented, attendance increases and confidence grows, reinforcing the core goal of an inclusive school experience.
Partnership Between Public and Diplomatic Actors
Deputy Minister Okio praised the initiative as a concrete illustration of the government’s commitment to leave no child behind. He noted that administrative reforms can only succeed if citizens enjoy equal access to basic services like education and healthcare.
The Russian embassy representative echoed this sentiment, describing ongoing logistical assistance ranging from shipping dermatology supplies to facilitating specialist exchanges. According to AJCA officials, the partnership shortens supply times and helps maintain an uninterrupted stock of high-SPF sunscreen.
A Regional Beacon for People with Albinism
The Brazzaville clinic