Project Report
| Oct 16, 2026
October Update
By Kaitie Newcomb | Communications and Development
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Last week, Special Hope Network’s training team traveled to Zambia’s Copperbelt Province to connect with partners working in disability inclusion across the region. The team met with representatives from Ndola, Luanshya, Kalulushi, Kitwe, and surrounding areas to discuss opportunities to strengthen support for children with disabilities and their families.
Following these engagements, Rebecca and William led a six-hour training session focused on disability awareness and inclusion. The training provided an opportunity to build understanding, share knowledge, and encourage more inclusive attitudes and practices within local communities.
The visit also brought together organizations working in the disability sector, creating valuable space for networking, exchanging experiences, sharing ideas, and exploring opportunities for future collaboration. By strengthening these relationships and equipping local partners, we can continue working toward communities where children with disabilities are valued, included, and loved.
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Jun 19, 2026
June Update
By Kaitie Newcomb | Communications & Development
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Teaching families to value and care for their children with disabilities is so important. But what happens when the community around them is unwelcoming, or even hostile, because of stigma and misinformation?
That’s why, since 2021, our Community Outreach Team has partnered with schools, churches, clinics, and other local sites to host Disability Advocacy Trainings. These trainings help communities better understand disability, break down harmful stigma, and learn how to welcome and support children with disabilities and their families.
At our last Disability Advocacy training course in March, we had 75 more advocates complete their training and receive their certificates of attendance - bringing greater inclusion and hope to their communities!
Thank you for making this possible through your support!
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Feb 18, 2026
February Update
By Kaitie Newcomb | Communications & Development
![Frazer with dad, Biko]()
Frazer with dad, Biko
Empowering Fathers, Building Stronger Families
This past November, during our Father’s Week, we had the joy of seeing Community Care Centers filled with dads — fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and brothers — bringing their children, learning together, and stepping more fully into their role as caregivers and advocates.
Father’s Week is a special time when we intentionally encourage dads to be the ones to bring their children to the Centers. Throughout the week, fathers participate in activities, training, and moments of play that help them better understand their child’s needs and the vital role they play in their child’s growth.
A Father’s Love in Action
Fathers like Biko, Frazer’s dad, represent a powerful shift. In a culture where caregiving often falls solely on mothers—and where children with disabilities can face blame or abandonment—men are choosing a different path. They are showing up consistently, learning new skills, and embracing their children with pride and compassion.
This kind of involvement changes more than one child’s life. It strengthens families, reshapes community attitudes, and helps children with disabilities thrive in environments where they are valued and supported.
Because of your support, Father’s Week is possible. Dads like Biko are stepping forward, families are growing stronger, and a new story is taking root—one where children with intellectual disabilities are loved, protected, and celebrated.
Thank you for standing with us as we empower fathers and help build brighter futures for children with intellectual disabilities in Zambia.
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Frazer
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