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 their disability programme is specifically designed to provide practical support to improve the lives of children with disabilities.

Most of these children suffer from spina bifida, hydrocephalus or cerebral palsy, and PNA provides these children with adjustable wheelchairs that can be cleverly adapted and altered by adjusting the frames as the child grows. The wheelchairs provide these children with the opportunity to move around, attend school and participate in everyday activities.

Last time we reported on how PNA carries out wheelchair follow-up visits to check the children are positioned correctly and to make any necessary modifications to ensure the children can use the wheelchairs effectively. The assessments also review the impact the wheelchair is having on both the child and their family’s life.

Innocent, a resilient seven-year-old boy who lives with his mother, having lost his father, was a recipient of a wheelchair. His path was initially a steep climb, marked by a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Innocent first came to PNA in March 2025, referred by the physiotherapy department at Chipata Central Hospital. At the time, he was in urgent need of a wheelchair to grant him both freedom of movement and the opportunity to attend school.

PNA delivered his wheelchair one year ago. However, what unfolded in the following months led to an extraordinary milestone being reached.

During his most recent follow-up, Innocent’s mother arrived at the PNA centre beaming with joy to inform us that Innocent no longer needed his wheelchair. Paradoxically, the chair itself became his best ‘physiotherapist’. By playing with the wheelchair, and being motivated by his friends, Innocent had been using the wheelchair as a sturdy support to pull himself up, and learnt how to manoeuvre it, building strength in his legs, day by day. What began as a passive support tool transformed into a daily physical challenge that eventually gave him the strength to walk independently!

Innocent has made amazing progress!

He isn't the only one; in the last few weeks alone, PNA has seen five children start walking. Simonetta, PNA’s Disability Coordinator in Zambia said, “It is truly heartening to see them so happy as they show us their motor progress. These are the moments that make everything we do worthwhile. This news warms our hearts and gives meaning to what we do!” 

Thank you for all your support!