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Community Initiative · Zambia · Est. May 2025

Embracing
Hearts & Minds

Empowering Minds, Embracing Differences

A community-based initiative committed to mental health awareness, disability inclusion, and family support in Zambia — because every mind matters, every child is valued, and every difference deserves understanding.

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You Are Not Alone EHM Zambia Community Network
A young woman smiling at an EHM Zambia community gathering in Lusaka
Mothers and a child at an EHM Zambia community event
2025
Founded
6
Pillars
∞
Impact
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In love we bring our hearts together, to talk, to heal and to celebrate the diversity of those who need us.

— EHM Zambia

Driven by Experience
Who We Are

A community built on lived experience

Embracing Hearts & Minds Zambia is a community-based initiative focused on mental health awareness, disability inclusion, and family support. We work with women, children, and families to create safe spaces for healing, education, and empowerment.

The organisation was created specifically to address the challenges faced by families raising children with Down syndrome — providing education, awareness, and psychosocial support where it is needed most.

We aim to build stronger communities where mental wellness is understood, and where children and families are supported with care, dignity, and inclusion.

Mental Health
Down Syndrome
Inclusion
Family Support
Community
The Founder Story

Born from a personal journey

Embracing Hearts & Minds Zambia was founded by parents who are themselves raising children with Down syndrome. Their personal journey revealed what so many families in Zambia face every day — stigma, misinformation, isolation, and a profound lack of support.

Through that experience, they developed a deep passion for advocacy, awareness, and community. They didn't just want to find support — they wanted to build it for everyone who needed it. And so EHM was born.

The goal is simple but powerful: to build a society where every child with Down syndrome is valued, included, and given every opportunity to thrive.

The Need in Zambia

In many communities across Zambia, there is still limited understanding about Down syndrome. Families face stigma, myths, and a lack of support — causing children to be excluded from education and community life, and parents to feel completely alone.

Our Response

EHM exists to change this — through community awareness campaigns, family education, psychosocial support, and advocacy for inclusion in schools and public life across Zambia.

What We Stand For

Our values

Inclusion
Everyone deserves to be included and valued — no exceptions, no conditions.
Compassion
We care deeply for families and individuals navigating difficult journeys.
Respect
We uphold the dignity of every person — child, caregiver, and community member alike.
Awareness
We promote education and understanding to replace stigma with knowledge.
Support
We stand with families through their journey — never leaving them to face it alone.
Hope
We believe in a better future for every child — one where differences are celebrated, not hidden.
The People Behind EHM

Guided by experience & heart

EHM is led by people who bring personal, professional, and community expertise to our mission.

MC
Monica Chamutanga
Executive Director & Co-Founder

Monica is a mother and advocate whose personal journey raising a child with Down syndrome sparked EHM into existence. She leads the organisation's programmes, partnerships, and day-to-day operations with passion and purpose.

CK
Chipasha Kasonde
Board Chairperson & Co-Founder

Chipasha chairs EHM's Board of Directors and brings strategic leadership, governance oversight, and a deep commitment to ensuring the organisation remains true to its founding values and community mission.

Our Board
Governance & Oversight

EHM is governed by a dedicated board including Pearce C. Chibwe Mwale (Treasurer), Rosemary Kakompe (Secretary), and Ruth M Litebele — all committed to accountability, transparency, and impact-driven leadership.

Meet the full team →
Our Foundation

Where we are going &
how we get there

Vision
A Mentally Healthy & Inclusive Society

A mentally healthy and inclusive society where women, girls and families with children with intellectual impairments are supported, empowered and heard — where no one is left behind because of circumstances beyond their control.

Mission
Advocate, Educate & Empower

To advocate for mental health awareness for all individuals and provide inclusive support to families raising children with intellectual impairments by strengthening their capacity through education, empowerment and community engagement.

What We Do

Our areas of focus

Every programme anchored in our mission to support families, promote inclusion, and change the story around Down syndrome in Zambia.

01 / 06
Mental Health Awareness & Education

Running community awareness campaigns and education programmes to promote mental wellness and replace stigma with understanding across Zambia.

02 / 06
Down Syndrome Advocacy & Inclusion

Advocating for the inclusion of children with Down syndrome in schools, healthcare, and public life — and tackling the myths and misconceptions that hold communities back.

03 / 06
Psychosocial Support for Families

Providing dedicated psychosocial support for families and women navigating the emotional, financial, and social challenges of raising a child with a disability.

04 / 06
Parenting & Family Empowerment

Equipping parents and caregivers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to support their children's development and advocate for their rights.

05 / 06
Community Outreach Campaigns

Taking awareness and support directly into communities through outreach events, partnerships, and grassroots engagement across Zambia.

06 / 06
Strategic Partnerships

Collaborating with NGOs, government ministries, institutions, donors, and community stakeholders to extend our reach and deepen our impact.

Featured Story · 21 March 2026

World Down Syndrome Day 2026

Theme: Together Against Loneliness

Families, children, caregivers and partners gathered in Lusaka to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day — a day of music, testimony and belonging. Parents shared their journeys, children took centre stage, and our community stood together to say what we believe: no family raising a child with an intellectual disability should ever walk alone.

Loneliness ends the moment a community decides to show up — and Zambia showed up. Embracing Hearts & Minds Zambia
21·03
Celebrated Worldwide
100+
Families & Friends
1
Community, Together
WDSD 2026
Families and children gathered in front of the World Down Syndrome Day 2026 banner
Families and children gathered under one banner
A speaker celebrating a community member on stage
Voices of the day
Parents sharing their journey on stage
Parents share their journey
Be Part of the Movement

Join our community

Whether you're a caregiver, professional, or someone who simply cares — there's a place for you in the EHM family. Join us and be part of the change.

Supporter Follow our work, share our mission, and advocate for mental health awareness in your community.
Volunteer Give your time and skills to help with events, training sessions, and outreach programmes.
Full Member Become a registered member of EHM, participate in decision-making, and lead community change.
Partner Organisation Collaborate with EHM through institutional partnerships, co-funded programmes, and shared resources.
Register today

Free to join — we'll be in touch with next steps.

Our Goals

The world we are building

Increase awareness of Down syndrome and mental health so that no family in Zambia faces these challenges alone or in ignorance.

Support every family raising a child with a disability — giving them knowledge, community, and the strength to advocate for their child.

Promote inclusion in schools and communities so that children with Down syndrome are welcomed, educated, and given every opportunity to thrive.

Work with stakeholders — government, NGOs, institutions, and donors — to improve systems of understanding and support across Zambia.

Create safe spaces for mental health discussions where families feel heard, supported, and empowered to face each day.

"In love we bring our hearts together, to talk, to heal and to celebrate the diversity of those who need us."

— Embracing Hearts & Minds Zambia

Why partner with us?

We are uniquely positioned because our work is led by lived experience — as parents raising children with Down syndrome, we have a deep understanding of real community challenges. Partnering with EHM means reaching underserved families and building stronger, more informed communities.

Partner with us
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EHM Zambia
WhatsApp
Talk and Heal
Leadership

Board of Directors

Committed hearts and capable hands steering EHM's mission forward.

CK
Chipasha Kasonde
Chairperson
MC
Monica Chamutanga
Executive Director
PC
Pearce C. Chibwe Mwale
Treasurer
RK
Rosemary Kakompe
Secretary
RL
Ruth M Litebele
Member
Advisory Council
KN
Rev. Kayi Kalizya Nakazwe
Theology & Community Development
Mellon PhD Fellow (University of the Western Cape) researching religion and democratic governance. Staff Development Fellow in Theological & Religious Studies at UCZ University, ordained minister, and Board Committee Member at World Vision Zambia.
KS
Keith Shempela
Finance & Governance Advisor
MA Economic Policy Management (UNZA) and registered accountant with over 21 years of pension fund administration at the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF). Former Contributions & Benefits Manager with deep expertise in financial governance and social protection.
—
Position Open
Mental Health & Inclusion Advisor
EHM is seeking a dedicated mental health professional or inclusive education specialist to join the Advisory Council and help shape our programmes for families and children across Zambia.
Founders
M
Monica Chamutanga
C
Chipasha Kasonde
Get In Touch

We're here to support you

Whether you're a family seeking guidance, a potential partner, or someone needing mental health support — reach out. You are not alone.

✉️
Registered Office
Flat 15 Chamba Valley Housing Complex,
Maposa Road, Chamba Valley, Lusaka
EHM Centre
House No. 221, Kanjala Street,
Kaunda Square Stage 2, Lusaka

Send a Message

We respond to all messages within 24 hours.

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Thank you for reaching out. We will be in touch with you shortly. You are not alone — EHM is here for you.
EHM Support Assistant
Online & ready to help
Hello! I'm the EHM Support Assistant. I'm here to help with information about our programmes, mental health resources, and how we can support your family. How can I help you today?
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