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The Next Step Foundation Partners with 26bitz to Expand Tumaini Mental Health Support Platform

Innovative Healthcare Technology Collaboration Aims to Transform Mental Health Access for Youth with Disabilities In a recent announcement, originally shared on May 29, 2025, Next Step Foundation unveiled a strategic partnership with 26bitz, a leading healthcare-focused software development company, to expand Tumaini, an AI-powered mental health support platform initially designed for Youth with Disabilities in … Read more

World Mental Health Day 2024

This World Mental Health Day, with its theme of Mental Health at Work, we highlight the transformative impact of the Upili program. Through its unique psychosocial support intervention, Upili is reshaping how Youth with Disabilities in Kenya navigate life and career after secondary school. By fostering self-confidence, the program empowers its graduates to achieve workplace … Read more

Disability Pride Month: defining A.L.L.Y.

As July marks Disability Pride Month, it’s important to understand the importance of allyship in creating a more inclusive society.  The question becomes, however, what does it mean to be an ally, and how can we effectively support the disability community?  Let’s explore these questions and break down the essence of allyship using the acronym … Read more

Disability Pride Month 2024

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month 2024 it’s important to recognize the pioneers who paved the way to where we are today. At the forefront stands Judy Heumann, a remarkable advocate whose tireless efforts sparked a movement in disability rights and advocacy. The roots of Disability Pride Month can be traced back to the early … Read more

Grieving is Never Easy, But It’s Often Harder for Young Men  

Catherine Njoroge teaching young men about the stages of grief for Men’s Health Month When we experience loss, the grief can feel overwhelming. For young men, there are additional societal pressures and expectations that make this already difficult emotional process even harder. From a very early age, young men are conditioned to suppress their emotions … Read more

Men’s Mental Health Month

In honor of Men’s Mental Health Month Upili welcomes Kennedy Kimeli to share his perspective. My name is Kennedy Kimeli. I am a social worker by profession, and also a peer counselor, mentor and an advocate, championing for the rights of Children and Youth with Disabilities. In November 2009 while accompanying a high school friend … Read more

June is Men’s Mental Health Month

Men’s Mental Health Month (MMHM) is a separate observance from May’s Mental Health Awareness Month due to the importance of recognizing the unique challenges men face with mental health. MMHM, celebrated annually in June, aims to raise awareness about men’s mental health, encourage open conversations, and promote increased understanding and support.  While mental health issues … Read more

Mental Health Stigma: A Vicious Cycle for Youth with Disabilities

Mental health challenges have long been shrouded in stigma, with these individuals facing discrimination, prejudice, and a lack of understanding from society. This stigma is particularly pronounced for Youth with Disabilities in Kenya. This group not only faces exclusion as a result of physical or intellectual challenges, but also bear the weight of the stigma … Read more

Mental Health Awareness Month: from awareness to ACTION

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of mental health and well-being. At Upili we focus on tapping into the energy of this month (and all those before and after) to make significant strides by moving beyond mere awareness to meaningful action. Our program, Counselors with Disabilities coming into … Read more

Mental Health Awareness Month: a holistic approach

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness month we are honored to have Dr. Rose  Kiiru N., (PsyD, MA Psy, BED) of KIZIMA Mental Wellness Foundation Kizima, Kiswahili for ‘holistic’, captures perfectly the organization which focuses on evidence-based solutions and leverages on multi stakeholder partnerships and collaboration to promote mental wellness in a holistic manner.  ——————————- May … Read more