Helping Vulnerable Children in Zambia Thrive

Hands Around the World (HATW) works in partnership with Pamodzi Ndi Ana (PNA) in Zambia. PNA specifically supports children with disabilities affected by spina bifida, cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus and works in collaboration with the Ministries of General Education, Health, and Community Development as well as local hospitals. PNA also aims to promote equitable access to quality education for disadvantaged children and children with disabilities and provide tangible solutions to address the challenges these children face.

Recently, PNA funded the building of a special unit at Walela school in Chipata, Eastern Province, Zambia, for children with disabilities. This initiative also included the provision of ramps into classrooms and accessible toilets.  This project has improved access to education for children with disabilities and provided a safe and conducive learning environment, respecting their dignity.

HATW sponsors Betty (pictured above) and this support enables her to attend Walela school.  PNA also provided Betty with a wheelchair to help her be mobile. These initiatives have ensured that children like Betty can attend school and lead a normal life. Betty now attends Grade 5 and due the support she receives, and the adaptations made at Walela School she is included in the mainstream class together with her friends, enabling her to access to quality, equitable and inclusive education, enhancing her future opportunities.

Betty has been affected by spina bifida since birth (a malformation at the spinal level that does not allow her to have sensitivity in the lower limbs and internal organs). Betty and her mother also participated in a three-day workshop on spina bifida, delivered and run at PNA. The workshop aimed to refresh the notions and manual skills on Clean Intermittent Catheterization (C.I.C.), bowel washing, and prevention of bedsores. C.I.C. is a fundamental procedure to give independence and confidence to children affected by spina bifida.

The workshop also provided a great opportunity for Betty and her mother to make friends with other children and mothers who share the same challenges. They were also able to share experiences with others living with the same condition.

Thank you for supporting PNA’s projects in Zambia and making a huge difference to these children’s lives.