Purpose in Action Our Visit to Ubuntu Life Foundation

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Purpose in Action: Our Visit to Ubuntu Life Foundation

May 14, 2026

Early this morning, our team jumped on the bus, filled with excitement to visit Ubuntu Life Foundation. On the journey there, we stopped to enjoy a scenic view of the Kenyan Rift Valley, one of their many stunning landscapes, filling us with even more energy for the meaningful day ahead. Ubuntu Life Foundation is an inspiring organization that is dedicated to providing critical care, education, and support for children with special needs. They also empower the mothers and families of the children by equipping them with the skills to seek employment. Ubuntu also works to educate the surrounding areas in Nairobi about special needs by challenging stereotypes about the children’s abilities to lead fulfilling lives.

We also had the privilege of touring Ubuntu’s factory, physical therapy rooms, and school, while connecting with doctors, staff members, and teachers on site, all of which taught us how Ubuntu makes the clinic available for families surrounding Maai Mahiu. While touring the physical therapy center and pharmacy, one of the doctors informed us that the condition they encounter the most is epilepsy. To combat these conditions, Ubuntu provides affordable medication at their pharmacy, as well as free consultations and screenings. The visit extended beyond a tour of the facility, as we were given the opportunity to engage with the children via activities throughout their school day. We ended the day at Ubuntu by eating lunch at their cafe, which highlighted the self-sustaining pillar of Ubuntu. This is because their commercial for-profit endeavors work to support the overarching goal of their foundation, which supports families and children with special needs.

Being able to see the integration of healthcare, education, therapy and product manufacturing gave our team a unique insight that cannot be gained anywhere else. We were able to look at a business driven by purpose instead of purely profit; and how it can operate with heart and strategy. Our team was inspired by the intentionality of every facet of Ubuntu, and how their business is constructed to create something with a meaningful and lasting impact on their community. We left moved by all of the incredible work, perspectives, and people operating within Ubuntu.

By Lilly deWildt

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