Albinism in Botswana Junior Secondary Schools – a Double Case Study

Abstract

In this study the experiences of two pupils with albinism in two different community junior secondary schools in Botswana are recounted through the eyes of two student teachers on teaching practice during February and March of 2005 in the respective schools. Ose Chizwe observed a male aged 15 years (subsequently referred to as M), and Lily Kowa observed a female aged 16 (subsequently referred to as F). Their accounts were analysed by and interrogated through the conversation between the principal author and a third year student teacher, Tiro Nkanotsang, who himself is albino. Conclusions are drawn as to how representative the experience of these two pupils might be for pupils with albinism in general in Botswana schools and suggestions made as to how best support such pupils.