According to the book of Acts 20:35, “‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This Valentine’s season, Beit CURE Children’s Hospital chose to celebrate the month of love a little bit differently by giving love in a truly meaningful way by hosting its very first Night to Shine.
Night to Shine, an annual event inspired by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is a special prom experience designed to celebrate people with disabilities as Kings and Queens for the night. Participants enjoy a red-carpet entrance, music, dancing, games, and moments of pure joy, all in a safe and empowering environment. The event emphasises that every individual is valued, loved, and celebrated just as they are, promoting inclusion, dignity, and confidence.
This night that aligns with CURE’s mission, which is to “Heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God.” In partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation, on the 13th February 2026, CURE Zambia, with the help of 91 volunteers, hosted 36 amazing kids living with disabilities for an unforgettable day of pampering, glitz, and glam.
A Grand Red-Carpet Arrival
The day unfolded like a dream. It began with a tender pampering session where each contestant was treated like royalty, hair beautifully styled, makeup delicately applied, suits pressed, bow ties perfectly set. Our kings and queens were then whisked away in a limousine to the venue, Heroes Stadium, where they made a grand entrance on the red carpet, confidently modelling as invited guests clapped and cheered for them.
A National Commitment to Inclusion
Acknowledging the critical role that Beit CURE Children’s Hospital plays in supporting government efforts in specialised care, rehabilitation, and advocacy, the Minister of Youth, Sport, and Arts, Elvis Chisala Nkandu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue implementing policies that promote disability inclusion through policy reforms, social protection programs, and community-based rehabilitation initiatives. He said, “Night to Shine is a powerful statement that every person, regardless of disability, deserves respect, recognition, and a sense of belonging. The event reflects the nation’s values of equity, inclusion, and social justice, while highlighting the government’s firm belief that every individual has purpose, worth, and dignity, and deserves to be treated with love and respect.”
In attendance at the event, the Director General of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Frankson Musukwa, said, “Night to Shine is an event centred on God’s love and a call for society to reflect on how we treat one another. There is a need to remove physical, social, and attitudinal barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from fully enjoying life.”
He further urged communities to replace stigma with understanding, exclusion with participation, and pity with respect. Addressing the young people being honoured, he reminded them that the night belongs to them and that they are treasured and capable. He affirmed that they matter, their dreams are valid, and their future is bright.
“At CBM, our mission is rooted in inclusion, dignity, love, and we believe that children with disabilities are rights holders, leaders, dreamers, and contributors to our communities. When we invest in them, we’re investing in a stronger and more compassionate Zambia. That is why we are proud to partner with Beit CURE Children’s Hospital to partly support this event,” said CBM Country Director, Dr Linda Kasonka Nonde.
A Celebration of Confidence, and Community
Gracing the event as one of the 15 kings, CUREkid Emmanuel, couldn’t hide his excitement. “Everything about this event was absolutely spectacular. From the moment we stepped out of the limo till the end, it has impacted my life more than I ever imagined. It showed me that when I step out of my comfort zone and allow myself to socialise with others just like me, I can grow in confidence and believe in myself,” said CUREkid Emmanuel. “To all the sponsors and everyone who made this day a success, thank you. Please continue impacting more kids like me and helping us feel loved and appreciated.”
As the night progressed, the kids were treated to a variety of entertaining activities such as karaoke, face painting, and simple delights like popcorn, ice cream, bubbles, and puzzles that kept them joyful.
The celebration drew to a close with beautiful dancing, shared meals, and full hearts, bringing a truly magical night to a perfect end.
The success of Night to Shine was made possible through the generous support of our co-sponsors and donors, the Tim Tebow Foundation, CBM, Orange Pharma LTD and WestGate Pharmaceuticals.
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Special thanks to our collaborative partners: the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Printech Zambia, Faith Baptist School for the Deaf, Cheshire Homes, Zambia National Federation of the Blind, and the Zambia Agency for People with Disabilities (ZAPD).
If you would like to support Beit CURE Children’s Hospital in providing care for children with treatable disabilities, please make a contribution or contact the hospital through the following channels:
[email protected] or call us on +260774601682 / +260977740166
About the Beit-CURE Children’s Hospital of Zambia
Established in 2006, CURE Zambia performs over 2,500 life-changing reconstructive, orthopedic, ENT, and audiological surgeries each year for children suffering from treatable disabilities. Strategically located in Lusaka, the teaching hospital comprises six buildings, 54 beds, and three operating theatres. In addition to world-class clinical service, CURE Zambia ministers to the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their communities. The Beit Trust, a UK-based charity, provided the funding for this facility as a centennial gift to the people of Zambia. CURE Zambia is a strategic partner with the Ministry of Health.
