Recently, nine of our staff members (along with 3 U.S. volunteers) traveled to visit the Sangwani Community School, 50 kilometers outside of Lusaka, to provide training and encouragement to the members of Sangwani village.
Read on to hear from two of our dedicated staff members, Alex and Rebecca, as they share their experiences and reflections from this impactful trip:
Faced with the challenge of a distant government school, where children had to endure long walks to access education, the resilient members of Sangwani village took matters into their own hands. They rallied together and established a community school.
They recently made the addition of a special class for children with disabilities, with 31 students attending twice a week and provided with lunch. This inclusive initiative reflects the community’s dedication to ensuring every child has access to education, regardless of ability.
During our visit, we discussed ways to support the school in building capacity within their team. We agreed to provide training for staff to better understand and support students with disabilities. Additionally, advocacy training will equip staff to become disability advocates, fostering a more inclusive environment.
We also committed to supporting them during their engagement settings with key community leaders to dispel myths and promote inclusion. Together, we’ll take proactive steps to create a supportive environment for children with disabilities.
We also joined with the Sangwani community for an awareness campaign, led by our Community Outreach team and visiting American volunteers. It’s amazing what can happen when we work together!
I was deeply moved by the passion and dedication of the Sangwani community. Their proactive approach to addressing challenges without waiting for external support serves as a shining example for us all.
Alex Chitumbo
Director of Programs: Community Outreach
Special Hope Network
