Born Short Living Tall (BSLT)
Born Short Living Tall (BSLT) is a Zambian-based, non-profit, non-political, and faith-inspired Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) committed to building an inclusive society where every person; regardless of disability, gender, age, or background can live with dignity, purpose, and equal opportunity.
Inspired by Christian values of love, justice, and compassion, BSLT works at the intersection of disability inclusion, youth empowerment, education, health awareness, and leadership development. While rooted in faith, BSLT remains open, inclusive, and respectful of people of all beliefs.
Our Vision
A society where every person, including persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups, can live tall in purpose, dignity, and impact.
Our Mission
To break barriers and create equal opportunities through advocacy, education, empowerment, and faith-based community engagement focusing especially on persons with disabilities, youth, women, and children.
Our Core Values
- Faith, Love & Hope – Guiding our work with compassion and purpose
- Inclusion & Equality – Leaving no one behind
- Integrity & Accountability – Responsible stewardship and transparency
- Courage & Resilience – Turning adversity into strength
- Collaboration & Community – Working together for greater impact
- Innovation & Impact – Practical solutions that change lives
What We Do
BSLT designs and delivers community-led programs that:
- Promote disability rights and inclusion
- Expand access to education, digital skills, and livelihoods
- Address health challenges such as HIV and substance abuse
- Equip young people with leadership and life skills
- Challenge stigma through advocacy, media, and storytelling
We work in partnership with communities, schools, churches, civil society, government institutions, and development partners at local and international levels.
Our Impact
Since its establishment, Born Short Living Tall (BSLT) has delivered inclusive, community-led initiatives that expand opportunity, dignity, and participation for youth and persons with disabilities in Zambia and beyond.
Impact Highlights
- 50,000+ youths reached monthly across Africa through Arise Magazine, with empowering content on leadership, faith, inclusion, health, and personal development
- 500+ youths trained and engaged through youth and climate action initiatives, including facilitation under UNICEF-supported Unite4Climate programs
- Persons with disabilities actively engaged in advocacy, skills development, leadership training, and inclusive programming
- Communities, schools, churches, and youth networks reached through mentorship, training, and awareness campaigns
- Youth voices amplified through storytelling, media, and digital platforms that challenge stigma and promote positive social values
What This Means
- Youth and persons with disabilities gain skills, confidence, and access to opportunities
- Communities experience reduced stigma and increased inclusion
- Young people are equipped to become leaders, advocates, and change-makers in their communities
As BSLT continues to grow, we remain committed to measuring impact, learning from our work, and strengthening accountability to the communities and partners we serve.
Governance & Accountability
Born Short Living Tall (BSLT) is a registered, non-profit, non-political, and faith-inspired Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) governed by a clear constitutional framework that guides its leadership, operations, and accountability.
Governance Structure
BSLT operates under a transparent and participatory governance system that includes:
- General Assembly
The supreme decision-making body responsible for approving policies, strategic direction, and major organizational decisions. - Board of Directors / Executive Committee
Provides strategic oversight, fiduciary responsibility, and policy guidance, ensuring that BSLT operates ethically, legally, and in line with its mission. - Secretariat / Management Team
Responsible for day-to-day operations, program implementation, financial management, partnerships, and reporting. - Committees and Task Forces
Established as needed to support key areas such as finance, safeguarding, advocacy, and membership.
Leadership & Oversight
BSLT was founded by Ntalasha Chisha, who serves as the organization’s principal visionary and ambassador, promoting its mission and values nationally and internationally. Leadership succession, institutional sustainability, and mentorship of emerging leaders are embedded within BSLT’s governance approach.
Financial Accountability
- Funds are raised through grants, donations, partnerships, and lawful income-generating activities
- All resources are used exclusively to advance BSLT’s mission
- Financial records are maintained transparently and reviewed in line with organizational policies
- No income or assets benefit members beyond approved and reasonable compensation for services
Safeguarding & Compliance
BSLT is committed to:
- Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
- Upholding national laws governing NGOs and OPDs
- Aligning with international human rights standards, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
- Operating with integrity, accountability, and respect for diversity
Partnerships & Ethics
BSLT works collaboratively with government institutions, civil society, OPDs, faith-based organizations, and development partners. All partnerships are guided by shared values, ethical standards, and a commitment to inclusive and sustainable impact.
ARISE MAGAZINE – A Flagship Platform of BSLT
Arise Magazine is BSLT’s flagship youth empowerment and media platform, created to inspire, educate, and equip Africa’s next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.
Published weekly, Arise Magazine reaches over 50,000+ active readers, including students, young professionals, faith-based youth networks, educators, and community leaders across Africa. Through authentic storytelling, expert insights, and practical tools, the magazine helps young people discover purpose, build resilience, and positively impact society.
Arise Magazine Vision
To be Africa’s most trusted and impactful youth magazine, raising a generation of visionary, values-driven leaders equipped to shape the future.
Arise Magazine Mission
To inspire, empower, and equip young people across Africa to discover their purpose, develop resilient character, and become visionary leaders who transform their communities.
Tagline: Inspiring a generation to rise
What Arise Magazine Offers
- Feature Stories – Real-life stories of resilience, faith, entrepreneurship, and innovation
- Leadership & Personal Growth – Practical guidance on purpose, mindset, and professional skills
- Faith & Inspiration – Devotionals and reflections rooted in hope and transformation
- Community Highlights – Youth initiatives, social impact projects, and local champions
- Interactive Engagement – Q&A, challenges, competitions, and reader contributions
Reach & Impact
- Distributed digitally via WhatsApp, Facebook, email newsletters, and the website
- Reaching thousands of youths weekly across schools, universities, churches, and communities
- Followed by educators, parents, faith leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers
- Growing digital archives accessible across Africa
Why Partner With Us
Partnering with BSLT and Arise Magazine means investing in inclusive, values-driven youth development.
Your partnership:
- Builds trust and goodwill within Africa’s youth and community networks
- Amplifies your brand through meaningful, purpose-driven content
- Directly supports youth empowerment, disability inclusion, and leadership programs
- Contributes to long-term social impact aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals
Get Involved
No matter who you are, a young person, donor, partner, school, church, or organization there’s a place for you in this movement. Empower change. Ignite purpose. Inspire a generation to rise.
👉 Join us. Partner with us. Fund a project. Support youth and disability inclusion. Be part of our programs today.