Who We Are
In a world where children with disabilities are often hidden, overlooked, or excluded, Kenna for Kids with Disabilities was born to change the narrative. Founded in 2018 by Halima Lolo—a passionate mother and advocate who turned her personal journey into purpose—Kenna emerged from the urgent need to create inclusive, accessible, and empowering spaces for children with disabilities across Ethiopia.
Kenna started as a grassroots movement, driven by the Ethiopian diaspora in Minnesota, and quickly evolved into a recognised 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation on December 27, 2018. We’re now officially registered in Ethiopia as a Civil Society Organisation (CSO Reg. No. 6282) and internationally recognised since July 05, 2022, in accordance with proclamation NO. 1113/2019, allowing us to operate more directly and impactfully on the ground. The word “Kenna” means “gift from God” in Afaan Oromo, reflecting our unwavering belief that every child, regardless of ability, is a blessing—never a burden.
Since Then
Since then, Kenna has grown into a movement of compassion, inclusion, and action— serving thousands of children with disabilities aged 3 to 21 and their families across Ethiopia.
We apply a holistic, community-based rehabilitation (CBR) approach to dismantle stigma and break barriers that limits mobility, access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Our efforts include raising nationwide awareness, distributing assistive devices, educational support, building family resilience, providing health services and developing a dedicated Disability Center that will serve as a hub for therapy, inclusive learning, vocational training, and integrated support. Kenna is reshaping how disability is understood and addressed in our communities.
We actively engage local leaders, families, volunteers, and like-minded organizations to create solutions rooted in the communities we serve—because we believe that true inclusion begins with visibility, dignity, and shared responsibility. When children with disabilities thrive, so do their families—and so does society as a whole.
Mission
Empowering Ethiopian children with disabilities by dismantling stigma and enabling children and their families to realize their full potential within their communities
Vision
To create a space where children with disabilities live with dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity
Legal Status
Kenna is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible. Registered as CSO in Ethiopia with Reg. No. 6282, as per proclamation No. 1113/2019.
what makes us different
The core values we live by
Transparent
We communicate openly and honestly, and act with integrity in everything we do.
Respectful
We treat every individual with dignity, valuing different perspectives and seeing people as humans first—not as victims
Compassionate
We respond to the pain and needs of others with empathy, kindness, and meaningful action.
Cooperative
We build strong partnerships and work together with communities, organizations, and people with disabilities to find shared solutions.
Creative
We challenge limitations and seek fresh, inclusive, and innovative approaches to disability rights and support.
Accountable
We take responsibility for our actions, involve the disability community in decision-making, and stay true to our mission
Professional
We uphold high standards, foster learning, and continuously improve through feedback and reflection.
