When Difference Becomes Visible
Children with disabilities are often stared at in public, making them aware from a young age that they are seen differently.
Monica, mother of former CURE Malawi patient Prosper, shared her experience raising her son, who had bowed legs. She said, “At his age, I often carried him to school on my back to shield him from stares. When he walked alone, people stared at him because of his condition.”
Young children like Prosper may not understand stigma, but they are aware of being watched and singled out.
Such moments shape how a child sees themselves and highlight that society often fails to acknowledge differences respectfully.
A Night Where the Story Was Different
On the evening of February 20, 2026, the story took a different turn as CURE Malawi joined the global community in hosting the Night to Shine, a prom-style celebration for children with disabilities sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, at the Malawi Sun Hotel in Blantyre. This event provides children with special needs a rare opportunity to experience a joyful, inclusive evening that honors their worth and celebrates God’s love for them.
Thirty-two children with various disabilities attended the celebration. The kids were drawn from patients treated at CURE Malawi and our partner organisations, including Kingdom Workers, Passion Centre for Children, AQUID, and the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs.
The children began their day preparing for the event with haircuts, makeup, and new outfits. Upon arrival at the venue, each child walked the red carpet to enthusiastic cheers from staff and guests.
For Dafta, one of the children treated at CURE, the experience was truly unforgettable. “We were treated like presidents,” he shared with a smile. “They even served us food right at our tables, and everything we asked for was provided.”
Celebrating Dignity and Belonging
Speaking during the event, CURE Malawi’s Executive Director, Rhoda Kriek, highlighted the social realities many children with disabilities in Malawi face. She noted that physical conditions are often accompanied by stigma and exclusion, which limit opportunities for children to learn, play, and participate fully in their communities.
“In Malawi, disability often carries more than physical challenges. Sometimes it carries stigma, silence, and distance from school, friendships, and opportunity. Many families walk for hours seeking help, while some children remain hidden because communities do not understand their condition. The greatest pain is rarely the condition itself — the greatest pain is exclusion,” she said.
She added that this reality underscores the importance of the hospital’s work in restoring not only physical mobility but also dignity, confidence, and a sense of belonging for every child it serves.
On his part, Francis Dube, Country Director of World Vision Malawi and Guest of Honor at the event, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among different stakeholders to address the needs of children with disabilities.
He said, “Organisations working in the disability sector, including Beit CURE and partners like World Vision, often operate with limited resources while the demand for services continues to grow. Addressing the needs of children with disabilities requires a multisectoral approach involving government, NGOs, faith-based organisations, and communities.”
A Moment to Shine
The evening continued with children dancing and sharing their moves. Laughter and music filled the venue.
The celebration then culminated in the crowning of each child as a king or queen.
For one evening, dignified attention—not difference—drew people to these children.
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