Leading with Confidence: Dama’s Story

At 21 years old, Dama is already leading by example. A student who is hard of hearing, she has embraced every opportunity to learn, compete, and serve others. With support from her family, teachers, and Kupenda’s Child Scholarship Program, Dama has grown into a confident student leader whose story demonstrates what becomes possible when children with disabilities have access to education, encouragement, and inclusion.

Building a Foundation for Success

With support from a scholarship through Kupenda’s Child Scholarship Program, Dama has been able to attend a secondary school for the deaf where she can fully participate in learning. She consistently completes her assignments and excels in subjects such as Kenyan Sign Language and chemistry.

Support has extended beyond the classroom. Dama’s father attended a caregiver sign language training offered by Kupenda’s Kenyan staff, giving him the skills to communicate more easily with his daughter.

“There is a lot we can discuss with Dama nowadays because of the sign language I learned from Kupenda,” he shared. “I am the one interpreting for Dama every Sunday at church. Because she is able to follow the service, she enjoys being part of the church choir.”

With stronger communication at home and an accessible learning environment at school, Dama has continued to grow in confidence.

A Leader On and Off the Field

Dama’s determination extends well beyond academics. She has represented her school at the national level in handball, soccer, volleyball, track and field, shot put, and javelin. This year, she also competed in the national drama and music festivals.

As games prefect, she organizes her peers, encourages teammates, and leads during sports and inter-class competitions. Her teachers have entrusted her with leadership because of her reliability, teamwork, and positive example.

Confidence That Inspires Others

Dama’s family says she has become increasingly confident through her friendships, leadership opportunities, and experiences representing her school.

“I feel proud when teachers tell me that my daughter will represent her school at the National Games Competition,” her father shared. “I know this has been possible because of the support she has received.”

Today, Dama is known not only for her academic achievement and athletic ability but also for her leadership. Her story is a reminder that when people with disabilities are given the opportunity to learn, communicate, and belong, they don’t simply participate, they thrive and inspire others to do the same.

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