Breaking Barriers: Moses’ Journey to Confidence and Friendship at Kupenda’s Running Club

Kupenda’s Inclusive Running Youth Clubs continue to create spaces where children with and without disabilities can run, learn, and grow together. Through these clubs, participants build friendships, strengthen their confidence, and receive spiritual support that affirms the value of every child. The program is a collaboration with the Micah 6:8 Foundation and We Run We Rise, and children are recruited through local schools and churches where teachers and pastors have been trained by Kupenda as disability advocates.

One of the young people most impacted by these clubs is Moses Kahindi, a 24-year-old student at Timboni Special School who has a physical disability. Moses’ story shows how access, encouragement, and inclusive spaces can transform self-perception, foster friendships, and help young people realize their potential.

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Moses Kahindi is a student at Timboni Special School who has a physical disability. He is 24 years old. At first, Moses viewed himself differently from people without disabilities. He thought that he could not play with other children, especially when they are engaged in physical activities.

Through Kuhenza’s Inclusive Youth Running Club, Moses had an opportunity to interact with students who do not have disabilities. He learned that all people are created in the image of God and everyone has different abilities. Moses began participating in the clubs physical activities. He said this felt like a dream as he had been excluded from these types of activities his whole life. He was also encouraged by the coaches and he developed confidence about his ability to participate in the activities. He realized that when one is given an opportunity he can realize his potential and that brought him joy.

Moses also learned that person-first language should be used when talking about someone with a disability. For example, calling someone a “person with a physical disability” instead of a “physically disabled person.” This made him happy as it meant that the other children stopped describing him by his disability, but instead, began to use language that reflects his dignity.

Thanks to the running club, Moses has now made many friends at the mainstream school and they spend time together telling stories. He is happy as he is engaged in physical activities and he has developed more interest in the club.

 “I am created in the image of God said Moses. “God loves me the way I am.”