Finding Purpose in Kilifi: My Journey Volunteering with Kuhenza in Kenya

By: Deborah Schultz

How I Landed in Kilifi

I’m a pediatric occupational therapist living north of Boston, Massachusetts. For years, I’ve dreamed of participating in a mission trip—an opportunity to share my skills, learn from others, and give back in a meaningful way. But between building a career and raising four daughters, the timing never seemed quite right.

That changed in the fall of 2024.

My parents were planning a family trip to Europe with my two youngest daughters and my niece. During that planning process, my father happened to meet Jessica, the Development Director at Kupenda for the Children, at a fundraiser. Their conversation about Kupenda’s mission—to support children with disabilities in Kenya—sparked something in him. Within weeks, his family travel plans took a dramatic turn: instead of Europe, he was heading to Africa (and now I was invited!)

It was the perfect blend of passion and purpose—an opportunity for me to volunteer and for my father to bring his four remaining grandchildren on the adventure of a lifetime. And so, the planning began.

Preparing for the Journey

This would be my parents’ fourth trip to Africa, but their first to Kenya. Unlike joining an established mission trip, I would be organizing my own volunteer experience with Kuhenza, Kupenda’s sister organization based in Kilifi. That meant everything—from scheduling to content—was up to me.

We held several Zoom meetings with the U.S. and Kenyan teams to discuss how my skills as an occupational therapist could best serve the community. Everyone was incredibly supportive and collaborative. I proposed several OT training topics, and to my surprise (and slight panic!), they accepted all eight.

The spring of 2025 was a whirlwind of preparation—creating slide shows, researching Kenyan culture and best practices, developing hands-on training materials, and gathering supplies to bring with us—all while managing everyday life back home.

Touching Down in Kenya

In June 2025, my daughters and I—armed with vaccines, malaria prescriptions, and a healthy dose of excitement—traveled halfway around the world to meet my parents, sister, niece and nephew. What awaited us was nothing short of life-changing.

Our first stop was the Kuhenza Advocacy Center and Gede Special School. On the very first day, I met Hope. Within moments, two things became clear:

1. Kuhenza had provided Hope’s mother with incredible support, HOPE and guidance to navigate her daughter’s disability.
2. I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Over the next several days, I trained teachers, therapists, religious leaders and caregivers, joined home visits, and worked alongside Hawa, the OT, at Kuhenza and Gede Special School. One unforgettable moment was helping a 14-year-old boy with cerebral palsy feed himself for the very first time. Another was watching my niece and 2 daughters dancing and playing with the students.

What I Learned

When I think back on my time in Kilifi, the takeaway is simple yet profound: joy doesn’t come from abundance—it comes from connection and purpose.

The children I met were happy, engaged, and full of potential. The families and staff at Kuhenza worked tirelessly with limited resources, yet their compassion and commitment radiated through every interaction. It was a striking contrast to life back home, where everything feels “super-sized” and often overly complicated.

Looking Ahead

I hope this experience continues to influence my daughters—reminding them of the importance of inclusivity, empathy, and recognizing that we are all differently abled.

My hopes for occupational therapy in Kenya and beyond are big:

• More education and training for local therapists and caregivers
• More fun and creativity in therapy sessions
• Improved OT facilities and equipment
• Greater understanding of autism and neurodiversity
• Expanded supports, inclusion, and reduced stigma around disability

And of course, I hope to return—soon.

Grateful Beyond Words

This journey wouldn’t have happened without my father’s vision and generosity. What started as a casual conversation at a fundraiser became one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

Kuhenza means to help—and while I went to Kenya hoping to help others, I came home realizing that the experience helped me and my family just as much.

And yes ….we did tag on a few extras! A trip to Hells Kitchen Canyon, snorkeling in the Indian Ocean, and a safari in the Serengeti in Tanzania.