No Longer Left Behind: How Children with Disabilities Go to School in Kenya

For Rehema, a non-disabled child in Kenya, walking eight miles to and from school every day poses no issue. But for her brother, Baraka, and her friend, Amina, access to education is not so easy. Through the stories of three children, No Longer Left Behind demonstrates how Kupenda, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities, partners with local populations to bridge education equity gaps around the world.

For Rehema, a non-disabled child in Kenya, walking 8 miles to and from school every day poses no issue. But for her brother, Baraka, and her friend, Amina, access to education is not so easy. Baraka is Deaf, and the local school has no sign language-trained instructors to teach him. Amina has cerebral palsy and cannot make the long walk every day nor navigate the school steps. Instead of spending each day playing with their peers and learning, Baraka and Amina face stigma from the community and isolation at home. Kupenda, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities, partners with local populations to bridge equity gaps in education. As a result of these efforts, Baraka and Amina are given the opportunity to go to school, thereby empowering their independence and fostering inclusion within their community.

Sandra has three decades of teaching experience, 20 years of which she spent working with gifted children in need of specialized education.