Overview & Mission

The Bauleni Special Needs Project & School (BSNP) is located in Lusaka, Zambia, within the Bauleni township, a low-income and densely populated area. It is run by the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary under the Archdiocese of Lusaka.

The project’s mission is to provide inclusive, quality education to children with disabilities, including those with multiple and severe conditions such as deaf-blindness. Beyond education, the school offers holistic support—physiotherapy, speech therapy, counseling, psychosocial assistance, and access to medical care such as epilepsy treatment.

For children unable to attend in person, BSNP operates a home-based programme, ensuring access to learning and care. The institution is recognized nationally as a Center of Excellence for inclusive special-needs education.

History & Growth

The project was born in the mid-1990s when a survey revealed that over 100 children in Bauleni township were excluded from school because of disability. In response, the Sisters formally established the school around 1996.

Since then, it has grown from a few classrooms to a full school serving preschool through grade 12. Today, it supports more than 200 children with disabilities. To strengthen sustainability, the project also runs income-generating activities such as a bakery, carpentry, tailoring, piggery, and gardening.

Programs & Services

Education & Inclusion

Offers both special needs and mainstream education tracks.

Provides specialized support for children with multiple disabilities and deafblindness.

Each child undergoes an assessment before admission to tailor support appropriately.

Therapy & Medical Care

Physiotherapy, speech therapy, and counseling are integrated into daily learning.

Medical support includes access to essential drugs and treatments.

Psychosocial care is emphasized for both children and families.

Home-Based Support

For children unable to travel, teachers and caregivers provide lessons and support at home.

Families receive counseling, guidance, and awareness training to reduce stigma.

Vocational & Life Skills Training

Older students learn practical skills such as tailoring, agriculture, and food production.

These skills are aimed at self-reliance and future income generation.

Achievements & Challenges

Achievements

One of the only schools in Zambia to cater to children with deafblindness.

Widely recognized for excellence in inclusive education.

Successful in advocacy efforts to reduce stigma surrounding disabilities.

Provides a model of holistic support that addresses both education and healthcare.

Challenges

Disability stigma in Zambia still leads to neglect and discrimination.

Funding limitations make it difficult to sustain therapy, medical services, and outreach.

Reaching children in remote areas is logistically challenging.

Recent Highlights

The school continues to expand visibility and partnerships nationally and internationally.

Students actively participate in educational visits and awareness events.

Vocational training programs are equipping young people with tools for independence.

Location & Contact

BSNP is located along Leopards Hill Road in Lusaka, near Leopards Hill Shopping Mall. It also partners with other organizations that share space within the project.