Misean Cara Member Organisation: Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Project: Bauleni Special Needs Programme
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Background
Located in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, the Bauleni Special Needs Progamme (BSNP) Boys Scout Club, established with the support of Misean Cara, brings together boys and young men aged 12–18 years with the aim of helping them develop into responsible, values-driven, and productive young adults. The club–affiliated with the Bauleni Special Needs School which operates for special needs students as well as community learners–instils values, leadership qualities, and practical life skills that prepare members to face everyday challenges with confidence and resilience.
A Real-Life Challenge
One of the clearest examples of the club’s impact is the story of Emmanuel Mbondo, a Grade 12A learner at Bauleni Special Needs School and an active scout. Emmanuel’s family was struggling with a critical problem; their pit latrine toilet had sunk, posing a serious health and safety risk, especially for his younger brother, a Grade 5 learner who has special needs and required help and supervision for all of his sanitation needs.
This challenge weighed heavily on Emmanuel. Yet, instead of feeling helpless, he turned to the values of leadership, teamwork, and responsibility that he had learned through the BSNP Scout Club. When Emmanuel stopped attending school to look after his young brother and ensure his safety around the dilapidated latrine, his peers, concerned by his absence, asked him to why he was not attending classes. When he shared the problem with his fellow scouts and club leaders, they came together to seek a way forward.
Scouts in Action
Motivated by the spirit of service, the Scouts mobilised themselves to respond. Together, they decided to apply their life skills training to raise the necessary resources to repair the latrine. They launched a school-based initiative painting the school wall fence which not only showcased their creativity but also generated funds for the repairs.
The money raised was then directed towards constructing a new, safe pit latrine for Emmanuel’s household. This collaborative effort ensured that Emmanuel’s family, particularly his younger brother with disabilities, could now live in a safer and healthier environment.
Outcome and Impact
This initiative went beyond solving a single family’s problem. It became a practical demonstration of the values at the heart of the Scout Club: solidarity, responsibility, and service to others. Emmanuel emerged as a role model, proving that the knowledge and skills gained through the club can be applied to real-life challenges with lasting results.
For Emmanuel, the experience reinforced the power of teamwork and problem-solving. For his peers, it was an opportunity to live out the true spirit of scouting helping others and making a difference in the community. For his family, it has meant restored dignity and safety in their daily lives.
A Ripple Effect of Hope
Today, Emmanuel has resumed his studies at school and is thriving there and within the Scout Club, standing as an example to other boys of how courage, initiative, and teamwork can transform lives. The project not only uplifted Emmanuel’s household but also inspired the wider community by showing that young people, when empowered, can be active agents of change.
Conclusion
The Scouts’ actions highlight how values-driven training, combined with practical skills, can create a ripple effect of hope and transformation. With continued support, the BSNP Boys Scout Club will keep empowering young men to rise as leaders, problem-solvers, and role models building stronger families and communities in the process.
Misean Cara is pleased to support projects like the Bauleni Special Needs School, its Scouts Club and the impact that they can have on the wider community.
