Project Report
| 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.
![Frazer]()
Frazer
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Oct 21, 2025
October Update
By Kaitie Newcomb | Communications & Development
![Group of graduates from training]()
Group of graduates from training
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.
Earlier this month, 70 more advocates completed their training and received their certificates of attendance - bringing greater inclusion and hope to their communities!
![Eric Nelson with graduate]()
Eric Nelson with graduate
![During the training]()
During the training
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Jun 26, 2025
June Update
By Kaitie Newcomb | Communications & Development
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One of the challenges for families of children with intellectual disabilities in Zambia is the stigma they and their children can carry in their community. At Special Hope, these families learn how to take care of their children, but what happens when they go back home and live daily life in their community? This is why our Community Outreach program exists.
Our Community Outreach team works diligently in compounds where we already have Community Care Centers. This way, as we are equipping parents and caregivers with knowledge and support, we are also equipping the local community to welcome and incorporate those families into everyday life.
Our most recent Disability Advocacy Trainings started last week and will run for 8 weeks in Matero, Marapodi and Kabanana. With this training, participants get to learn what intellectual disability is, categories of intellectual disabilities, the causes, some of the myths around disability, the bible’s position on disability, and most importantly, how they can best advocate for children with intellectual disabilities and their families!
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