Special Needs Youth in Zambia

. 1 min read

Some of the special needs youth at the Bwafwano Care Project in Zambia. In Zambia, children and youth with disabilities are stigmatized—even in their own homes. Caregivers and parents often hide children who have disabilities for fear of what others will think or say. What’s more, some of these youth are at risk for sexual abuse, early pregnancy, and HIV infections. And, most have no access to a good education. 

Through generous UMC #GivingTuesday donations made last year to the Bwafwano Care Project (BCP), Advance #3021211 in Zambia, special needs children and youth, including those with hearing impediments, received education support and life survival skills training that are helping them become more self-reliant. In addition, nutritional support was provided to undernourished children and adults living with HIV and AIDS. 

“We bought a cooker, a fridge, computers, and assorted training materials,” said Minerva M. Phiri, director of BCP, who quickly put to use the Giving Tuesday donations.

The UMC donations supported literacy classes for out-of-school youths with special needs, and a specially-designed six-month life skills training that is empowering and protecting its youth from further harm.