Kupenda (“love” in Kiswahili) for the Children is a registered 501(c)3 that transforms harmful beliefs surrounding disability to those that improve children’s lives.
A fully integrated society where people of all abilities have access to health, education, and a loving community.
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, “A billion people in the world, 15% 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.
Our innovation center is in the Kilifi region of Kenya but our model and materials are also being used in parts of Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Zambia and Haiti and are relevant for use in all developing nations. Learn more about our global programs here.
Kupenda works with children and youth who have long-term disabilities including physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional health issues. Some examples are as follows:
Albinism
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Bipolar Disorder
Blindness and Visually Impairment
Brittle Bone Disease (Osteogenesis Imperfecta)
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Cleft Palate or Lip
Club Foot (Talipes)
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Down Syndrome
Dwarfism
Dyslexia
Epilepsy
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders (FASD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Hearing Impairment
Hydrocephalus
Limb Deformity, Loss, or Reduction
Major Depression
Microcephaly
Muscular Dystrophy
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
Schizophrenia
Spina Bifida (SB)
Spinal Cord Injury
Spine Curvature Disorders
Tourette Syndrome
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Local professionals develop and deliver our programs to ensure they are tailored for each community’s unique language, culture and needs.
We use the WHO and UNICEF’s evidence-based, global best practices for disability care and advocacy.
Kupenda’s provides direct care to some children but we are focused on inspiring and empowering communities to do this work because it is the most sustainable solution.
Our programs are regularly evaluated and we use this information to improve our strategies for the greatest impact.
Kuhenza and Kupenda transform harmful beliefs surrounding disability to those that improve children’s lives.
