Kuvakala Thina
Amplifying voices, driving inclusion for impact and showcasing youth leadership who are shaping inclusive and sustainable futures.
In December, the Mastercard Foundation launched Kuvakala Thina—a storytelling series by young people with disabilities. Meaning “You’re hearing from us now,” Kuvakala Thina amplifies African disability leadership and challenges stereotypes. Each story reflects pride, resilience, and the power of voices that are now at the forefront of change. It emphasizes inclusive leadership by highlighting the experiences of the storytellers. These narratives focus on ability, agency, and ambition, with the aim of inspiring action towards a more inclusive world.
Read the stories of young people with disabilities
Disability Doesn't Define Her: Meet the Entrepreneur Who's Breaking the Mold
Phiwayinkhosi Precious Lukhele, affectionately known as Phiwa, is a shining example of resilience and determination. The young entrepreneur and computer science student at Ashesi University in Ghana is paving her own path to success.
Read Phiwa's story
The Unstoppable Rise of a Resilient Engineer - Salami Afizlai Omowumi’s Mission to Build a Future Without Limits
Salami Afizlai Omowumi’s journey is one of determination and hope. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Salami lived a childhood filled with dreams until an unexpected challenge altered his life forever.
Read Salami's story
The Unstoppable Rise of a Kenyan Coding Prodigy: Betty Mwende's Mission to Bridge the Digital Divide
Betty Mwende's name is synonymous with determination and passion for technology. She comes from a small village in rural Kenya. From an early age, she was filled with curiosity, especially about technology.
Read Betty's story
Disability Inclusion Advocate Gashaw Tesfaw Redefines Education and Leadership in Ethiopia
When Gashaw Tesfaw entered primary school around age seven, he arrived full of hope but soon faced a steep uphill path.
Read Gashaw's story
Ibukunoluwa Omotola - Turning Barriers Into Bridges for Young People with Disabilities
Ibukunoluwa Omotola’s journey is one defined by resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to inclusion. Born a bubbly, curious child in Lagos, Nigeria, she began walking at nine months old and learned letters and numbers almost as soon as she could talk. Her parents dreamed of her early school success. But life shifted dramatically just after her first birthday.
Read IBK's story
From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Faith’s Journey in Tech
Despite societal expectations and the personal challenges of motherhood, albinism, and discrimination, Faith Musyoki, a young woman from Kenya, charted her path to success in the male-dominated tech industry through self-learning and the support of mentors. In doing so, she has redefined what’s possible for herself and others like her.
Read Faith's story
Built to Belong: Stephanie Egharevba’s Fight to Make Inclusion Real
Stephanie Egharevba is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and disability rights in Lagos, Nigeria. A wheelchair user who defies anyone to present a challenge she can’t overcome, Stephanie says her legs don’t work, but her mouth does.
Read Stephanie's story
How Emmanuel Makokha Turned a Speech Impairment Into a Tool for Inclusive Leadership
In a world that often rewards quick speech and fluent delivery, Emmanuel Makokha has had to carve his path to being heard - patiently, persistently, and on his own terms.
Read Emmanuel's story
Doreck Ankunda on Disability Inclusion and Finding Your Voice When the World Doesn’t Want to Listen
The Ugandan actor shares how her hearing loss shaped a journey into the arts and a life of advocating for disability inclusion.
Read Doreck's story
Roza Abrham’s Visual Impairment Inspires Others to - See Possibility Beyond Sight
Born in the rural village of South Wello, Wereilu, Ethiopia, Roza Abrham has never known a life with full sight. But from a young age, she learned to see potential where others did not. “I’ve come to see my visual impairment as a gift that led me toward unexpected opportunities.”
Read Roza's storyDisability Inclusion
We believe inclusive economic growth is essential to unlocking the full potential of young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada.
