Norris Mphanga: From disability card to driving change in education and enterprise
Norris Mphanga, a 31-year-old teacher and entrepreneur with albinism from Mphanga Village in Saili Chiefdom, Chipata District, is breaking barriers and changing perceptions about disability in Zambia. His story is one of resilience, opportunity, and the impact of inclusive systems.
10 September 2025
Norris’s turning point came in Grade Eight when he enrolled at Magwero School for the Blind.
“That school gave me the foundation I needed,” he says. “It was the first step toward independence.”
In 2015, he received his disability card— a moment he calls life-changing.
“It gave me access to education and later helped me get a job. It wasn’t just a card—it was a key.”
After finishing secondary school, Norris earned a Diploma in Primary Education from Malcolm Moffat College of Education in Serenje, graduating in 2020.
In 2021, he was hired as a teacher at Nadalisika Primary School under the Government’s 10 percent quota allocation on job placement.
“Getting that job changed everything,” he says. “I became independent and started giving back to my community.”
In 2023, Norris registered a sole trader business and began bidding for Constituency Development Fund (CDF) contracts. He successfully won a tender from Chadiza District Council to supply 200 school desks.
“The civic centre had reserved slots for people with disabilities,” he explains. “That gave me a fair chance.”
Each desk was priced at K1,350 ($57.41), totalling K270,000 ($11,700). Despite delays in receiving the initial 25 percent part payment, Norris delivered ahead of schedule.
“I didn’t wait for the money to start working,” he says. “I wanted to show that people with disabilities can deliver quality work on time.”
His business success has greatly improved his quality of life. In 2025, he secured another CDF contract worth K847,400 ($36,843) to build two classroom blocks and supply 40 desks.
“Now, I can stand on my own,” he says. “I want others with disabilities to know they can do the same.”
Norris continues to balance his roles as a teacher and entrepreneur. Inspired by others who overcame challenges, his dream is to become a Permanent Secretary and advocate for greater inclusion in education and business.
He thanked the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) for supporting disability registration.
Thanks to the Government of Zambia– United Nations Joint Programme on Social Protection Phase II (GRZ-UNJPSP II), registration has grown from 5,000 in 2015 to 130,000 in 2025.
UNJPSP II is implemented by the ILO, UNDP, WFP, and UNICEF, with funding from Irish Aid, the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, UK Aid, and the Swedish Government.
