Who We Are

Our Mission

Kupenda (ā€œloveā€ in Kiswahili) for the Children is a registered 501(c)3 that transforms harmful beliefs surrounding disability to those that improve children’s lives.

Our Vision

A fully integrated society where people of all abilities have access to health, education, and a loving community.

Why We Exist

In many areas of the world, people impacted by disability are viewed as cursed, leading to their neglect, abandonment, abuse, rape, and murder. According to the World Health Organization, 1.3 billion people in the world, 16% of the population, “have a disability severe enough that it limits their participation in family, community and political life”. Among these, children with disabilities are one of the most marginalized and excluded groups in society.

Girl smiling

Where We Work

Our innovation center is in Kilifi County of Kenya, but our model and materials are also being used in parts of Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, the Dominican Republic, the DRC, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Niger, the Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, the United States, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and are relevant for use in all low- and middle-income countries. Learn more about our global programsĀ hereĀ and our global impactĀ here.

The Children We Serve

Kupenda works with children and youth who have long-term disabilities including physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional health issues.

Boy sitting down

Locally Led

We deliver locally led and culturally sensitive solutions to support people with disabilities in Kenya and other low-income countries.

Partnerships

Kupenda andĀ KuhenzaĀ work to increase sustainable disability inclusion in development work through collaborations with international and local organizations around the world.

Community Mobilization

We empower individuals and families with disabilities to support others like them in their own communities. These individuals and other influential leaders also collaborate with us to develop resources and services that reflect their greatest needs.

Data-Informed Solutions

We collect data and feedback from individuals and families with disabilities we serve as well as those who use our approaches and tools. We then use these findings to refine our programs and tools for maximum impact.

Faith-Driven and Inclusive

We are inspired by ourĀ Christian faithĀ to offer support and services to children and families affected by disabilities, regardless of their individual beliefs.

Participatory Learning

Our workshops, trainings, and meetings include discussions and exercises that allow participants to learn from one another. Our facilitators also equip participants to craft time-bound disability advocacy action plans that are tailored to their local context and driven by their personal conviction.

Leadership Development

We encourage both women and men, particularly individuals with disabilities, to pursue leadership roles that align with their skills and passions.

Local Resources

We strive to support the local economy by purchasing materials and equipment locally and by fostering the work of individuals from the regions we serve whenever possible.

Our Statement of Faith

Kupenda was founded and continues to operate as a Christian organization which means we believe in and demonstrate the love, justice, and compassion displayed in the life and death of Jesus to people of all faiths or none at all.

We follow the biblical guidance of loving all people as ourselves, especially families impacted by disabilities who are often the most vulnerable, marginalized, and abused.

All who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background.

We welcome recipients, volunteers, and supporters from all religious beliefs or none.

boy with crutches