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Organization	Special Hope Network
Region	Zambia
Website	Website
Facebook	Facebook
Twitter	@Twitter
ProjectLeader	Holly Nelson

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Special Hope Network (SHN) currently has 6 Community Care Centers (CCC) that work with children with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers in specific compounds (high density neighborhoods) around Lusaka, Zambia. In 2021, our Community Outreach Team began partnering with schools, churches, clinics and other local community members in those compounds that have a CCC, to host Disability Advocacy Trainings.

Challenge

Caregivers in Lusaka do not feel confident and equipped to speak on behalf of their child and incorporate them into regular cultural events such as church, clinic, weddings, funerals, on the bus and in the markets. What if their community were welcoming to them and they are able to feel included with hope and acceptance?

Long-Term Impact

As Special Hope Network looks to establish more Community Care Centers and train more Disability Advocates with our Community Outreach Team we are changing the culture in compounds that will accept families whose kids have intellectual disabilities. Over the next 3 years we are planning to have 11 CCCs in 11 compounds. As our Community Outreach Team trains advocates we will have close to 20 staff training close to 1,800 advocates in those compounds.