Lineo Pitso, a resident of Mafeteng town in Lesotho, was once discouraged by a chain store's response to her job inquiry. The manager cited her albinism as the reason for not hiring her, stating that people with the condition struggle and lack the ability to perform tasks well. This experience left Pitso feeling shattered and uncertain about her place in life. However, she refused to give up and instead chose to focus on improving her skills and creating her own opportunities.
Pitso's journey to self-sufficiency began with her primary education at Bolikela A.M.E, where she completed Standard 1 to 2. She then moved to Rakhoboko Primary School, where her albinism made school feel like a battleground. Despite facing difficulties, including bullying and failing a grade, Pitso adapted and eventually became one of the top learners in her class. Her confidence grew, and she learned to stand up for herself against bullying.
Pitso's challenges in the classroom were compounded by her visual impairments. She could not see the entire chalkboard and would often borrow notes from classmates, leaving blank spaces where her eyes could not follow. Although her teachers were kind, they could not fully meet her needs. One memory that still lingers is when her physics teacher asked her if she could see the other side of the chalkboard, and the class laughed when she said no.
After high school, Pitso attended Bernada Home Economics to study Consumer Science. In this environment, she finally felt comfortable and excelled in her studies. The smaller chalkboard allowed her to see everything clearly, and she thrived in her chosen field. Throughout her journey, Pitso's family provided unwavering support and love, which boosted her confidence and helped her overcome the challenges she faced.
Today, Pitso is a successful businesswoman and mother to a baby boy. She runs a tailoring business, creating clothes with a neatness and quality that her customers appreciate. Additionally, she operates a small everyday-essentials hub, offering services such as Mpesa and Ecocash, perfumes, and accessories. For Pitso, business is not just about income; it's about independence and being her own leader.
As the world observes September as Albinism Awareness Month, Pitso has a message for the community. She believes that this month helps people understand albinism and gives individuals with the condition strength. Her appeal is simple: she asks people to recognize that individuals with albinism are intelligent and capable, and that they deserve job opportunities.
Pitso also has a message for parents raising children with albinism. She encourages them to love and support their children, remind them of their beauty and capabilities, and normalize discussions about their condition. By doing so, parents can help their children develop the confidence and resilience needed to overcome the challenges they may face. Pitso's story serves as a testament to the power of determination and hard work in overcoming adversity.
Key points
- Lineo Pitso was denied a job due to her albinism but has since built a successful business, inspiring others with her resilience.
