Rebecca Heidorn

Portrait of a smiling young woman wearing a purple collared shirt outdoors

Leading with Confidence: Dama’s Story

by Rebecca Heidorn

  • Posted on July 22, 2026

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…



A woman sitting, playing the guitar, and singing with a Kenyan boy.

More Than Leadership: The Transformational Impact of Cynthia Bauer

by Rebecca Heidorn

  • Posted on March 31, 2026

During Women’s History Month, we honor women whose leadership reshapes our world. Today, we celebrate Cynthia Bauer, Founder and CEO of Kupenda for the Children, a global leader in disability inclusion, whose work has transformed the lives of thousands of children and families. Cynthia’s journey toward disability justice began with a profound realization while studying…



This is Lucy, a young girl living in rural Kenya. Lucy was supported by Kupenda in different ways.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Walking Alongside Families Like Lucy’s

by Rebecca Heidorn

  • Posted on March 23, 2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize and support people living with developmental disabilities around the world. Developmental disabilities are conditions that affect physical, learning, language, or behavioral development, often beginning in childhood and lasting throughout a person’s life. These disabilities can influence how a person moves, communicates, learns, or manages everyday…



A group of children and adults walk together along a rural road carrying a large purple banner that reads “International Epilepsy Day – My Epilepsy Journey,” participating in a community awareness march in Kenya.

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

by Rebecca Heidorn

  • Posted on February 23, 2026

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…



A person using a wheelchair works alongside others wearing safety vests and hard hats at a construction site, with teammates digging and installing materials near a small building in the background.

A Future Under Construction: Najibu’s Story

by Rebecca Heidorn

  • Posted on February 2, 2026

When Kupenda supported Najibu to enroll at his local polytechnic school—defying cultural stigma and barriers that often keep young people with disabilities out of school—he didn’t just begin a new academic program; he entered a season of growth, independence, and confidence. Today, he is thriving as a college student, building skills that will shape his…



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