What does “Kupenda” mean?
What does Kupenda do?
What types of disabilities does Kupenda assist?
How long has Kupenda been in existence?
How many children does Kupenda support?
Where are the children Kupenda serves?
How much of the money I send to my child through sponsorship goes to him/her?
How long must I sponsor?
Can I send gifts to my sponsored child?
What other ways are there of contributing to Kupenda?
What is Kupenda’s annual operating budget?
Kupenda is a Swahili word meaning “to love.” Therefore, “Kupenda for the Children” means “to love for the children,” which is the central focus of what we do.
Kupenda is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt Christian-based organization that exists to meet the needs of children with disabilities. The organization currently assists children in the coastal region of Kenya through advocacy, education and medical intervention.
What types of disabilities does Kupenda assist?
Kupenda serves children with disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, deafness, deformed or missing limbs, spina bifida, the effects of polio, visual impairment, Downs’ syndrome, autism, epilepsy, and other physical and mental disabilities. Ultimately the goal is that these children will feel that they are loved and accepted. More information on the disabilities we serve can be found here.
How long has Kupenda been in existence?
Kupenda has been in existence since 2000, when the founder, Cynthia Bauer, discovered the need to assist children with disabilities while doing environmental research in the area. The organization was turned into an official nonprofit in 2003.
How many children does Kupenda support?
Kupenda has grown from supporting just a handful of children in 2000 to over 600 children today. According to current estimates, however, there are still 400-500 children in the districts Kupenda supports who cannot be assisted due to limited staff and resources. This is in addition to the 500 or more children that are estimated to exist in the area that have not yet been located by any organization working with special needs children.
Where are the children Kupenda serves?
Currently Kupenda meets the needs of disabled children on the coast of Kenya in the Malindi and Margareni Districts. However, there has already been interest expressed from other districts and countries for Kupenda services.
How long must I sponsor?
Typically people sponsor children through the end of their education, which may or may not include high school. The length of time for a child to be in school depends on the age, disability and when the child began school. For those children able to attend college, we give sponsors the option to contribute at a higher level if they choose to do so. We understand that people’s circumstances change and may need to cease sponsorship at any point. We just ask that you inform us when you decide to longer contribute so we can find another sponsor as soon as possible.
Can I send gifts to my sponsored child?
Many sponsors wish to give a gift to their supported child. Many times they feel that the thought and effort put into a gift conveys more than simply sending money. In most cases, however, customs and duty costs end up exceeding the value of the original gift. Additionally, there is a high risk of theft or loss once a package is en route. As a result, we ask that you redirect your efforts by giving to a special fund created to meet the basic needs of your child as he/she needs them. This fund provides for items such as toiletries, school supplies, school uniforms, shoes and other small miscellaneous items. Furthermore, such gifts have the added benefit of supporting the local economy in Kenya. To give to this special fund, you may mail a check to Kupenda with “Special Fund for (child’s name)” in the memo line.
What other ways are there of contributing to Kupenda?
There are many ways to contribute that are very much needed. Of course the easiest, most beneficial way of contributing is through general donations that will provide advocacy, education and/or medical intervention for children with disabilities. To see how we have used funds in the past please see our latest annual report. We appreciate feedback, fundraising help, connections to other organizations to partner with and spreading the word about what we do! Of course we always appreciate volunteer service. Check out the volunteer page for more information.
What is Kupenda’s annual operating budget?
Currently, Kupenda’s annual operating budget is around $250,000, but would increase based on available funds due to substantial existing needs. Since its foundation, Kupenda has worked hard to keep administrative costs as low as possible, largely depending on volunteers. We also believe in transparency. As a result, you may review Kupenda’s tax forms and annual reports on our Resources page.