2
Improving the lives of children with disabilities

What We Do

There are 580 million children with disabilities and 80% live in developing nations. Most of these children are neglected, abused, and excluded from community life.

Each year, Kupenda trains thousands of families, youth, and leaders as disability advocates. These advocates then help 70,000 children with disabilities access the education, medical care, and inclusion they deserve.

adults teaching

Advocacy Programs

children in green

Education Programs

child sitting

Medical Programs

What We Value

Partnerships

Kupenda andĀ KuhenzaĀ work to increase sustainable disability inclusion in development work through collaborations with international and local organizations around the world.

Community Mobilization

We empower individuals and families with disabilities to support others like them in their own communities. These individuals and other influential leaders also collaborate with us to develop resources and services that reflect their greatest needs.

Faith-Driven and Inclusive

We are inspired by our Christian faith to offer support and services to children and families affected by disabilities, regardless of their individual beliefs.

Participatory Learning

Our workshops, trainings, and meetings include discussions and exercises that allow participants to learn from one another. Our facilitators also equip participants to craft time-bound disability advocacy action plans that are tailored to their local context and driven by their personal conviction.

See more of our values.

What Else Can I Do To Help?

Recent News and Stories

From Kenya to the World: How Kupenda’s Expertise Is Shaping Global Disability Research

When global researchers want to understand how to support children with developmental disabilities in African communities, they increasingly turn to Kupenda. In 2022, King’s College London and Aga Khan University invited Leonard Mbonani, Kupenda’s Kenyan director, to serve as an advisor on theĀ SPARKĀ project (Supporting African Communities to Increase Resilience and Mental Health of Kids with…

International Epilepsy Day: Closing the Care Gap for Children with Epilepsy in Kilifi, Kenya

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in the world, yet it remains widely misunderstood and under-treated—especially in low- and middle-income countries. For children, lack of treatment can mean frequent seizures, disrupted development, exclusion from school, and life-threatening medical emergencies. However, with the right medication and follow-up care, many children with epilepsy can…

When Communities Lead, Children Thrive: Zainabu’s Story

Kupenda activates local leaders and parents to come together to improve the lives of children with disabilities in their communities. These efforts have allowed children like Zainabu and her peers to access medical care and education, experience love and inclusion, and reduce their vulnerability to violence and abuse. Living With Disability in Lango Baya Six-year-old…