Kupenda for the children

09/08/2026

Every child deserves the opportunity to read, learn, and discover new possibilities.

Yet UNICEF reports that children with disabilities are 42% less likely than children without disabilities to have foundational reading and numeracy skills. This gap does not reflect their ability to learn. It reflects barriers such as stigma, inaccessible classrooms, and a lack of appropriate support.

This , we celebrate the potential of every learner. Kupenda works alongside families, educators, schools, and community leaders to help children with disabilities enroll in school, receive the support they need, and participate fully in their classrooms.

Because literacy is more than reading and writing. It builds confidence, independence, and the ability to shape one’s own future.

09/04/2026

We’re honored to share that we have been awarded the Faith to Action Network's Faith Changemakers Award!

This support will help us equip more local leaders in Kilifi County, Kenya, to challenge disability stigma and connect adolescents with disabilities to inclusive sexual and reproductive health information, education, and protection services. Together, we are working to keep more girls in school, prevent abuse and early pregnancy, and ensure young people with disabilities are not left behind.

09/03/2026

Recently, Najma’s parent, teachers, and therapists came together at Kupenda's offices to develop her Individualized Education Plan (IEP). By sharing what they have learned about Najma and her needs, the team identified practical ways to support her education and development.

An IEP does not lower expectations for a child with a disability. It brings families and professionals together to tailor the support a child receives, giving them a fair opportunity to learn, participate, and reach their potential.

Every child learns differently and every child deserves a plan that recognizes who they are and what they can achieve.

09/01/2026

Nearly 20 years after first traveling to Kenya with Kupenda, staff member Lauren Blair returned—this time with her family.

From seeing how much students and schools have grown to reconnecting with communities where Kupenda’s disability advocacy work has taken root, the trip offered a powerful reminder of what years of sustained advocacy can accomplish: greater inclusion, reduced stigma, and growing recognition of what children with disabilities have to offer.

In her latest blog, Lauren reflects on what has changed, what she learned from the people she met, and how God continues to reveal value and possibility where the world may see limitation.

Read the full story: https://kupenda.org/back-to-school-recognizing-the-gifts-around-us/

This summer, I had the privilege of returning to Kenya to see Kupenda’s programs in person. Although I first traveled there almost 20 years ago as a volunteer and returned several times, I had not visited since 2012. I never imagined those early trips would eventually lead me to chair Kupenda’s ...

08/31/2026

Last week, Kupenda hosted a Training of Trainers workshop for coaches leading Inclusive Youth Running Clubs in Garashi, Magarini.

Coaches exchanged experiences and strengthened the skills needed to create running clubs where every young person feels welcomed, valued, and empowered.

Coaches do more than teach a sport. By championing disability inclusion, they build confidence, strengthen friendships, and create spaces where young people recognize one another’s strengths and play, learn, and grow together.

08/27/2026

We’re grateful to have been selected by Christian Connections for International Health - CCIH as one of five faith-based organizations receiving support to strengthen climate resilience! This funding will bring reliable solar power to our Advocacy Center, allowing disability-related health services to continue during frequent power outages. Solar panels will power a new occupational therapy block, helping us provide uninterrupted therapy in a safer, more comfortable environment while also strengthening support and training for caregivers.

08/26/2026

For Sanita, raising her son Ezekiel once meant facing disability stigma, isolation, and uncertainty about where to turn for help.

Then Daniel, a Community Health Promoter trained by Kupenda, visited their home. He helped the family better understand Ezekiel’s disability, connected him with therapy, and encouraged greater family support and inclusion.

The difference has been significant. Ezekiel now receives regular therapy, relatives help with his care, and attitudes toward disability within the family and community are changing. As Sanita shares, “The family beliefs about disability have changed, and they now include us.”

Read how equipping local leaders like Daniel is helping create more inclusive communities: https://kupenda.org/from-rejection-to-belonging-how-one-community-health-promoter-helped-transform-a-familys-life/

For Sanita, raising her young son Ezekiel, who has a disability, once meant facing stigma, isolation, and uncertainty about where to turn for help. Today, Ezekiel is receiving regular therapy, relatives are helping with his care, and their community has become more accepting. Daniel, a local Communi...

08/25/2026

More than 50 million people around the world speak Amharic. Thanks to a new partnership between Kupenda and SIL Global, they now have access to our training program that equips parents and caregivers to become advocates for their children with disabilities.

Disability stigma exists around the world. In Ethiopia alone, more than 32 million people speak Amharic, and harmful beliefs about disability continue to prevent many children from accessing education, health care, and full inclusion in their communities. But now, using our newly translated workshop guide, SIL is equipping Ethiopian organizations and community leaders to help parents understand that disabilities are not caused by curses, witchcraft, or sin, but by medical conditions, and that every child has inherent worth and the right to learn, receive appropriate medical care, and participate fully in family and community life.

Making this resource available in Amharic means more local leaders can deliver these workshops in their own communities, creating lasting, grassroots change that transforms families and reduces disability stigma for future generations.

Language should never be a barrier to inclusion. Together, Kupenda and SIL are breaking down that barrier. In the coming year, we plan to translate more of Kupenda's disability training tools into new languages, including Swahili and Spanish, bringing these resources closer to the people who will use them to change children's lives.

Download the free Amharic Parents Workshop guide here: https://kupenda.org/resources/parents-caregivers/

08/24/2026

Recognition builds confidence and reminds people that their efforts and contributions matter.

That’s why Kupenda organizes award ceremonies and celebrations honoring children with disabilities for their skills, talents, and achievements while also recognizing caregivers for their dedication and support.

These moments help children and parents feel seen and valued while showing their communities just how much they have to contribute.

08/20/2026

What began with the invention of Gatorade became a family legacy of faith, generosity, and disability inclusion. For 17 years, Emily Morrison, her family, and the Gloria Dei Foundation have helped Kupenda transform harmful beliefs about disability and expand inclusion around the world.

Read their story: https://kupenda.org/from-gatorade-to-global-disability-inclusion-celebrating-17-years-of-partnership-with-emily-morrison-and-the-gloria-dei-foundation/

A sports drink created to restore depleted bodies has become part of a family legacy devoted to restoring hope, dignity, and belonging for people with disabilities around the world. A Legacy of Faith and Generosity Dr. Bob Cade’s invention of Gatorade generated resources that he and his wife, Mary...