Caring for the Forgotten

15% of all Zambians are people with disabilities.

1996 a group of Franciscan Sisters convened in Livingstone to focus on this widespread problem. After visiting health clinics and interviewing families, it was clear that hte need was there.They bought an Indian merchant's house and 5 acres in the town and began to offer simple physical therapy and education for parents with disabled children. They worked hard to dispel the common myth that these children were the result of the parents sins.

Bit by bit, people began to bring their young ones to the Mama Bakhita Cheshire Home, named after a black 19th century Saint.

Making art is an important part of the curriculum

In 2006 a school for 25 students was built with 2 classrooms, a physiotherapy room, large covered porch for making art, a playground and a kitchen to provide breakfast and lunch. These parents were relieved and grateful to know that their children deserved to enjoy the company of others and a right to education that suited their needs. But the funding that built this school did not continue. Zambia is one of the poorest countries in the world and until 2021, the national government did not support free public education or any other kind of training. The Home has not found enough support to maintain the property. Besides the school there is the original house built in 1945 where the director and a few other Sisters live, a laundry room, an office and a guest house, which was built to bring in money because the school and other services are free.

Life skills are built into the day

The years have taken their toll and there is much to repair. The ceilings in the classrooms are falling down, the roof has leaks, the kitchen is not useable. Lunches are prepared the traditional way on cooking fires using charcoal, and causing air pollution. Lastly, the old school van, which brings everyone to and from school, is falling apart.

We want to help this unique source of education for disabled children to continue. We want it to be an example of what should be happening in other parts of Zambia. So many of the 15% go through life with no opportunity for education or socialization or the chance to be part of an educational community. Please donate as generously as you can to repair and restore this precious space through this website at the "DONATE" on the opening page.

Attending school means learning social and communication skills,

as well as two nutritious meals a day