advocacy

Three women standing within a circle of listening women

Blessed: Lessons Learned from our Work with Traditional Healers

by Jessica Charles Abrams

  • Posted on March 4, 2021

By, Jessica Charles, Kupenda’s Development Director The first time I sat in a workshop alongside 25 Kenyan traditional healers, I was nervous. I’d heard that these herbalists, soothsayers and witchdoctors were conducting painful traditional healing practices on children with disabilities in their communities — things like skin cutting, exorcisms, and live burials. Some of them…



Headshot of a woman, Michele Reber, wearing a blue shirt

“It Gives Me a Sense of Joy”: An Interview with Kupenda’s Friend, Michele Reber

by Jessica Charles Abrams

  • Posted on March 2, 2021

In this interview, our long-time support and friend, Michele Reber, shares stories of Kupenda’s early years and her perspective on our evolving approaches to disability inclusion. In her responses, Michele also describes how her relationship with Kupenda and its founder has kept her invested in our work for the past 19 years. We cannot thank…



Three separate photos linked together of young Kenyan boys wearing matching maroon shirts

Panel Discussion with the 3 Kenyan Teens from our Documentary

by Kupenda

  • Posted on February 25, 2021

Earlier this month, Gordon College’s The La Vida Center for Outdoor Education hosted a screening of our documentary, followed by a panel discussion with the 3 Kenyan youth who hiked Kilimanjaro in the film! Our executive director, Kenyan director, filmmaker and hiking guide were also on the panel. Check out the discussion here: Want to keep updated on…



A pile of red hearts with a single pink heart laying atop it

What Does It Mean to Practice Love?

by Kupenda

  • Posted on February 25, 2021

“To be able to be loved is what we as humans all need to have. That is why we are called Kupenda, because Kupenda means ‘love‘ in Swahili and so many people around the world that have disabilities aren’t getting to experience that. We want to be sure that they get to be part of…



A woman playing guitar for a group of interested young boys

New Podcast with Kupenda’s Founder

by Kupenda

  • Posted on February 18, 2021

Check out a new podcast where our founder, Cynthia Bauer, talks with Jay Foss at Raising Your Inner Voices about how the Kupenda documentary reframes stigmas associated with children with disabilities. The film’s inspiring story focuses on 3 children with disabilities who climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Listen on Apple Podcast here, Google Podcast here or Spotify…



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