The Able to Thrive Phase I project has transformed the lives of children with disabilities and their families in Malawi, Rwanda, and beyond — building a scalable, faith-informed model for inclusive, community-based care in rural and underserved contexts.
Over two years, the project directly supported 5,042 children in Malawi — 61% of whom had never received a disability diagnosis. More than 91% of participating children showed measurable gains in functioning, while caregivers reported improved well-being, stronger home environments, and increased confidence in meeting their children’s learning and health needs. Life-changing assistive devices, medical interventions, and access to therapy opened doors to mobility, education, communication, and dignity.
In Malawi, Able to Thrive also strengthened government systems, equipped service providers, empowered pastors to lead parent support groups, and used digital case management tools to improve early identification and referrals. The project also catalyzed global expansion, providing seed funding and technical expertise to multiple countries and laying the foundation for sustained inclusion worldwide.
Phase I established a validated technical approach, strong partnerships, and a robust monitoring system — positioning World Vision to scale cost-effective, sustainable solutions for children with disabilities in Phase II and beyond.
