Last term, Diyajal Maharaj, one of our Gr 7 learners of Chelsea Preparatory School, was selected to speak amongst international practitioners by the President of the Vitiligo Association of South Africa.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition where melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) are destroyed, resulting in white patches of skin that can also affect hair and mucous membranes. It is a common, chronic disorder affecting people of all skin types, but is most noticeable on darker skin.

Diyajal, along with a few other learners at Chelsea, has vitiligo. Diyajal has in the past, suffered unkind comments from peers, but with the support of family, friends and teachers, found the courage to share her message with the world at this event. Chelsea would like to recognise and congratulate Diyajal on her international presentation.

At Chelsea, bullying of ANY kind is not acceptable and we work hard to educate our learners  on awareness of all our differences. We strive to create a culture of acceptance, celebrating each other’s uniqueness. Thank you Diyajal for reinforcing this culture.