Special Hope Network

Our mission is to bring glory to God by creating a world where kids with intellectual disabilities are valued. We do this by impacting communities so local community services can improve care to children who have special needs through our training. We are located in Lusaka, Zambia, where we have Community Care Centers to train parents in all aspects of caring for children with intellectual disabilities in a setting alongside other caregivers and their children. We train them in academics, communication, motor skills, nutrition and feeding, adaptive skills, and general advocacy for their child. Children with intellectual disabilities in Zambia are often overlooked and hidden, so Special H... read more Our mission is to bring glory to God by creating a world where kids with intellectual disabilities are valued. We do this by impacting communities so local community services can improve care to children who have special needs through our training. We are located in Lusaka, Zambia, where we have Community Care Centers to train parents in all aspects of caring for children with intellectual disabilities in a setting alongside other caregivers and their children. We train them in academics, communication, motor skills, nutrition and feeding, adaptive skills, and general advocacy for their child. Children with intellectual disabilities in Zambia are often overlooked and hidden, so Special Hope Network seeks to spread acceptance and inclusion into all areas of society. We do this by training church leaders, clinical workers, and other community leaders with facts about disability, and what they can do for children with special needs and their families. We specifically train churches to be a welcoming community for a family who may otherwise leave their child at home in order to attend church. We specifically train nursing staff at local clinics in early identification of children with special needs, so they can receive the medical care they need from as early an age as is possible. We are also working to teach traditional healers about disability since they are usually the first people that a family with a child who has an intellectual disability turns to for help and information. We also work closely with local government officials in advocating for disability and inclusion programs and awareness.