Kupenda for the children

09/01/2026

Nearly 20 years after first traveling to Kenya with Kupenda, staff member Lauren Blair returned—this time with her family.

From seeing how much students and schools have grown to reconnecting with communities where Kupenda’s disability advocacy work has taken root, the trip offered a powerful reminder of what years of sustained advocacy can accomplish: greater inclusion, reduced stigma, and growing recognition of what children with disabilities have to offer.

In her latest blog, Lauren reflects on what has changed, what she learned from the people she met, and how God continues to reveal value and possibility where the world may see limitation.

Read the full story: https://kupenda.org/back-to-school-recognizing-the-gifts-around-us/

This summer, I had the privilege of returning to Kenya to see Kupenda’s programs in person. Although I first traveled there almost 20 years ago as a volunteer and returned several times, I had not visited since 2012. I never imagined those early trips would eventually lead me to chair Kupenda’s ...

08/31/2026

Last week, Kupenda hosted a Training of Trainers workshop for coaches leading Inclusive Youth Running Clubs in Garashi, Magarini.

Coaches exchanged experiences and strengthened the skills needed to create running clubs where every young person feels welcomed, valued, and empowered.

Coaches do more than teach a sport. By championing disability inclusion, they build confidence, strengthen friendships, and create spaces where young people recognize one another’s strengths and play, learn, and grow together.

08/27/2026

We’re grateful to have been selected by Christian Connections for International Health - CCIH as one of five faith-based organizations receiving support to strengthen climate resilience! This funding will bring reliable solar power to our Advocacy Center, allowing disability-related health services to continue during frequent power outages. Solar panels will power a new occupational therapy block, helping us provide uninterrupted therapy in a safer, more comfortable environment while also strengthening support and training for caregivers.

08/26/2026

For Sanita, raising her son Ezekiel once meant facing disability stigma, isolation, and uncertainty about where to turn for help.

Then Daniel, a Community Health Promoter trained by Kupenda, visited their home. He helped the family better understand Ezekiel’s disability, connected him with therapy, and encouraged greater family support and inclusion.

The difference has been significant. Ezekiel now receives regular therapy, relatives help with his care, and attitudes toward disability within the family and community are changing. As Sanita shares, “The family beliefs about disability have changed, and they now include us.”

Read how equipping local leaders like Daniel is helping create more inclusive communities: https://kupenda.org/from-rejection-to-belonging-how-one-community-health-promoter-helped-transform-a-familys-life/

For Sanita, raising her young son Ezekiel, who has a disability, once meant facing stigma, isolation, and uncertainty about where to turn for help. Today, Ezekiel is receiving regular therapy, relatives are helping with his care, and their community has become more accepting. Daniel, a local Communi...

08/25/2026

More than 50 million people around the world speak Amharic. Thanks to a new partnership between Kupenda and SIL Global, they now have access to our training program that equips parents and caregivers to become advocates for their children with disabilities.

Disability stigma exists around the world. In Ethiopia alone, more than 32 million people speak Amharic, and harmful beliefs about disability continue to prevent many children from accessing education, health care, and full inclusion in their communities. But now, using our newly translated workshop guide, SIL is equipping Ethiopian organizations and community leaders to help parents understand that disabilities are not caused by curses, witchcraft, or sin, but by medical conditions, and that every child has inherent worth and the right to learn, receive appropriate medical care, and participate fully in family and community life.

Making this resource available in Amharic means more local leaders can deliver these workshops in their own communities, creating lasting, grassroots change that transforms families and reduces disability stigma for future generations.

Language should never be a barrier to inclusion. Together, Kupenda and SIL are breaking down that barrier. In the coming year, we plan to translate more of Kupenda's disability training tools into new languages, including Swahili and Spanish, bringing these resources closer to the people who will use them to change children's lives.

Download the free Amharic Parents Workshop guide here: https://kupenda.org/resources/parents-caregivers/

08/24/2026

Recognition builds confidence and reminds people that their efforts and contributions matter.

That’s why Kupenda organizes award ceremonies and celebrations honoring children with disabilities for their skills, talents, and achievements while also recognizing caregivers for their dedication and support.

These moments help children and parents feel seen and valued while showing their communities just how much they have to contribute.

08/20/2026

What began with the invention of Gatorade became a family legacy of faith, generosity, and disability inclusion. For 17 years, Emily Morrison, her family, and the Gloria Dei Foundation have helped Kupenda transform harmful beliefs about disability and expand inclusion around the world.

Read their story: https://kupenda.org/from-gatorade-to-global-disability-inclusion-celebrating-17-years-of-partnership-with-emily-morrison-and-the-gloria-dei-foundation/

A sports drink created to restore depleted bodies has become part of a family legacy devoted to restoring hope, dignity, and belonging for people with disabilities around the world. A Legacy of Faith and Generosity Dr. Bob Cade’s invention of Gatorade generated resources that he and his wife, Mary...

08/19/2026

Nicholas is an entrepreneur, an aspiring community leader, and, as a person with a disability himself, a passionate advocate for disability inclusion. But just a few years ago, he wasn't sure what his future would hold.

He dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. When that dream didn't come true, Nicholas felt discouraged and uncertain about what would come next.

Through Kupenda's Scholarship Program, he received counseling, vocational training, and business skills training that helped him discover a new path. With support from his parents, Nicholas launched a clothing business that is thriving today, and he's now working toward opening his own shop.

His journey didn't stop there. Nicholas is now running for a legislative position because he wants to ensure people with disabilities have a voice in the decisions that shape their communities.

This is why we invest in young people with disabilities, not only so they can earn a living, but so they can discover their strengths, pursue new dreams, and become the leaders their communities need.

08/18/2026

Caring for a child with a disability is an act of love, but it can also make it difficult for caregivers to earn a reliable income. When families have the tools to build sustainable livelihoods, children with disabilities are better able to thrive.

That's why Kupenda supports families by empowering them with sustainable agricultural practices. Caregivers learn how to transform small spaces around their homes into productive kitchen gardens that provide nutritious food and generate income. These gardens are more than a source of fresh vegetables—they're a source of hope, dignity, and resilience.
Together, we're cultivating stronger families, healthier communities, and a more inclusive future. 🌱

08/17/2026

We’re grateful to our long-term partner, The Rees-Jones Foundation, for sharing this thoughtful reflection on faith, disability, and the role churches can play in creating communities of belonging.

Drawing from Kupenda’s pastor training materials, the article explores how Scripture can challenge harmful beliefs about disability and encourage faith leaders to welcome, value, and advocate for people with disabilities.

At the heart of Kupenda’s work with faith leaders is a simple but powerful message: people with disabilities belong. When pastors understand the medical causes of disability and recognize the value of every person, they can become powerful advocates for inclusion in their churches and communities.

Read the full reflection here: https://www.rees-jonesfoundation.org/stories-insights/20-years-of-investing-in-international-disability-work/

20 Years of Investing in International Disability Work By Nathan O'Halloran, Senior Program Officer ...