For years, Rebecca Mbewe and her two children lived under a cloud of fear not because of war or crime, but because they are living with albinism.
Today, that fear is slowly being replaced with hope. The Rumphi District Council has begun constructing a K110 million house for Mbewe and her children in Chimkhwawu Village, under Traditional Authority Chikulamayembe.
Both children, like their mother, are living with albinism. The initiative aims to provide the family with safety, dignity, and a stable home after years of insecurity.
People living with albinism in Malawi continue to face serious threats, including attacks, discrimination, and social exclusion. In Rumphi District alone, approximately 31 people are registered as living with the condition.
Speaking to Malawi24, Rumphi District Director of Development Frank Mfune said the project is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable citizens, particularly people living with albinism.
“Secure housing is vital for people with albinism because they remain at risk of attacks and discrimination. This house will provide the family with protection and peace of mind,” Mfune said.
He added that the council is collaborating with various partners to address the safety, health, and social challenges affecting people living with albinism in the district.
For Rebecca Mbewe, the house represents more than just shelter; it symbolizes a future free from fear.
“My children have not felt safe for a long time. This house will protect them and give them a better life. I thank the government for remembering us,” Mbewe said.
Oliver Kajiso Gondwe, Chairperson of FEDOMA in Rumphi District, expressed his delight that residents from three different households have benefited from housing support provided in the district.
Human rights and good governance activist Christopher Melele also praised the initiative, saying it demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting vulnerable groups at the community level.
“This is an excellent example of how local councils can uphold human rights and support those who are most at risk,” Melele said.
The project is part of broader efforts by the Government of Malawi, implemented through the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, in collaboration with local authorities, to promote safety, inclusion, and dignity for people living with albinism across the country.
