Kupenda’s Founder Reflects on 2021 and Shares the Story of Her Friend Nuru

by Cynthia Bauer, Kupenda Founder and Executive Director

How the Upendo Support Group is Helping Parents Care For One Another and Their Children with Disabilities

Dear Friends,

Nuru survived COVID-19 because of your support. Her cerebral palsy and other health issues resulted in her hospitalization when she contracted the virus. She was reunited with her classmates and family because of supporters like you.

With little access to vaccinations in Kenya, COVID-19 rates have continued to soar, putting so many of our vulnerable children at risk. But thanks to you, we were able to mobilize our staff, local leaders and volunteers to provide remote counselling and care for hundreds of the families in our networks using a mobile app that we developed last year. This is how we were able to get Nuru the help she needed immediately.

When I received videos of Nuru at the hospital on oxygen I was worried but grateful that she was getting the help she needed.  I was especially thankful for our amazing Kupenda-funded house mother (from Nuru’s school) who sat by her bedside throughout her hospitalization. Her father was unable to be there because he had a stroke, and her mother had divorced her father and was unwilling to support her the way she needed.

Once discharged from the hospital, Nuru visited her friends at school and then went home. Kupenda then worked with the local government child protection services and Nuru’s school to facilitate a meeting with her aunt to ensure she had the care she needed at home.

Her aunt and uncle are now including Nuru in their family while Kupenda is providing her with a specialized diet to keep her strong and healthy. As Nuru continues to gain back her strength, we are hopeful that she will soon be back to singing (her favorite pastime) and pursuing her dreams of becoming a doctor.

You can give this holiday season to help more children like Nuru receive counselling, education, medical support, nutrition, and acceptance in a loving home and community!

Please consider making a one time or monthly donation or sponsoring a child like Nuru for just $30 per month!

With much love and gratitude this holiday season,

Cynthia Bauer Kupenda’s Founder and Executive Director

Nuru’s classmates cheering for her when she returned to school


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If you’re interested in supporting one of the many children we serve, head over to our sponsorship page to learn about how you can make a difference for just $30 / month.

You can also help children with disabilities stay safe and healthy during COVID-19 by donating here.


About the Authors


Cynthia Bauer, Kupenda Founder and Executive Director
Cynthia Bauer, Kupenda Founder and Executive Director


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