Helping Vulnerable Children in Zambia Thrive

Hands Around the World (HATW) works in partnership with Pamodzi Ndi Ana (PNA) in Zambia. PNA is based in Chipata and implements a disability programme that is dedicated to providing practical support to improve the lives of children with disabilities.

PNA also supports education projects, recognising that meaningful education requires a holistic, multi-level commitment. They believe there is ‘no quality education without safe classrooms and facilities, just as there is no learning without trained teachers.’

In Zambia, children with disabilities face numerous barriers to accessing inclusive, quality education. One of the most overlooked barriers is the lack of accessible toilets in schools. Most school toilets in Zambia are not designed to accommodate children with disabilities. They often lack basic accessibility features such as ramps, handrails, wider doorways, and modified toilet seats, preventing learners from using the facilities independently. As a result, many children with disabilities either attend school only part-time or avoid using the toilet during school hours, leading to health problems and infections.

Two years ago, HATW refurbished the special unit at Kasenga School in Zambia after storm damage made it unsafe and unusable. However, the toilet facilities remained unsuitable for children with disabilities, particularly girls with disabilities, as the lack of private and accessible sanitation facilities during menstruation created an additional challenge. The lack of appropriate sanitation facilities contributed to frequent absences and, in some cases, permanent dropout from school.

To overcome these barriers to accessing education, HATW supported PNA to construct an accessible, adapted pit latrine for the 13 children attending the special unit at Kasenga School. The adapted latrine will enable these students to attend lessons without interruption. The latrine was designed to include a ramp and a wider doorway, allowing easy access for children using wheelchairs. Handrails and a raised seat were also installed, and a hand-washing basin has been provided to ensure hand washing after using the toilet. The new latrine has improved the sanitation facilities at the school and will promote inclusive education and the rights of children with disabilities.

The latrine will also encourage and attract the enrolment of new students with disabilities to the school. The new latrine is expected to last for at least 10–12 years benefitting many students attending the school's special unit for years to come. The positive impact of this project will extend beyond the current students and continue beyond the project end.

The community and school administration have expressed their gratitude for the project, which will help to improve the teaching and learning environment for the 13 learners attending the special unit.

Your generous support has promoted inclusive education whilst respecting the health, dignity, and educational achievements of these children.

Thank you for providing these children with the opportunity to access an education!