Zambian Team Forms

The Zambian team came together yesterday in Lusaka for an initial meeting regarding the Disability Partnership. Sisters, Priests, Family Advocates and Disability Professionals were all in attendance. It was the first time that many of them had ever been together in the same room and the first time they had learned of the important work one another did. There were 12 people in attendance from all over the country.

Each team member shared their story about how they got into disability services and about their work and personal experiences in working with people with disabilities. many shared that they had family members with disabilities.

The team includes individuals who provide in home family support, parent-to-parent networking and support, special education, skill training and also government officials involved in disability policy work and special education.

Sandy did a few team building exercises with the Zambian team and they began to meld as a team. They will meet a few times together in person before they arrive in the United States. We gathered names adn contact information and one of the members agreed to facilitate this meeting and do the logistical coordination.

This initial meeting was very helpful to me as I think about pulling together proposals for funding and the training program for the Zambian team. I was able to get ideas about priorities and more importantly have greater understanding about many aspects of supports to Zambians with disabilities that I want them to share with the U.S. team. I have also been able to visit and interact with staff from most of the programs they represent.

Once we have returned to the states we can share photos with you and profiles of each of the Zambian team members and the services they provide to people with disabilities.

I leave tomorrow morning and return on Sunday to Minnesota. I am not sure where the time has gone and there is so much more to see and do in this country. I have had a life changing experience.

See you all very soon. More later. Amy