By Leslie Wakelin

Urthuan’s parents separated when he was young, leaving him in the care of his grandfather, a carpenter. His mother died shortly after. Urthuan has an intellectual disability and did not start attending a school for children with learning difficulties until the age of ten. He struggled to fit in with his much younger classmates. By the time he was in Grade 5, at the age of 18, he was unable to continue in formal education.  

With extremely limited options, his grandfather did not know how to help Urthuan. Then teachers at the school suggested the BEN Therapy program which was being offered at a nearby church. The program, facilitated by World Renew’s local partner, the United Church of Zambia, focuses on addressing the needs of people living with disabilities. 

Working with the program therapists who offered encouragement, rather than ridicule, Urthuan became more confident and experienced drastic improvements in his ability to communicate and his behaviour.  

After two years in the program, Urthuan was selected to attend the Chipembe Farm College. As he gained new skills, Urthuan began to teach his grandfather how to grow crops on his land. His grandfather says, “The college has helped Urthuan to open his mind, and to learn so many things he didn’t know.”  

Urthuan is proud of the contribution he is now making to his family. “I am happy,” he says, “because I know a lot and I am able to assist my grandfather.”