Debbie Kauna Foundation
Debbie Kauna Foundation exists to support persons with disabilities and is dedicated to advancing their rights, and opportunities, and enabling their integration into mainstream society.
Our Mission
To educate, empower and train Nigerians living with disabilities until they are able to lead better lives and live in optimal health.
Our Commitment
Our Vision
Live in a country where Nigerians with disabilities have equal opportunity to be educated empowered and enjoy optimal health.
Debbie Kauna Foundation was established out of a deep sense of care for Jesse Mshelizah Shawulu, who lost his father to insurgents. Tragically, during an attack by the Boko Haram group on December 11, 2013, nine innocent individuals, including two teachers from Hauwal, Borno State, were mercilessly killed on their way to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
Jesse was just three years old when he was left fatherless. Motivated by compassion, Deborah Bubwa Birdling, seeing that he had never been to school, took him under her wing as a concerned guardian. In 2015, he was enrolled in Remi Foundation, a special needs primary school, before being transferred to the LCCN Deaf Center in Jimeta, Adamawa State. During his time there, one of Jesse’s friends had to leave due to unpaid school fees.
Witnessing this, Deborah took it upon herself to bring the child back to school by covering her expenses, thus laying the foundation for the “Debbie Kauna Foundation’s Back to School Project.” Operating without any formal status or name, the foundation focused on reintegrating children with disabilities into the educational system. Dr. Zainab, a friend, suggested registering the initiative as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to enable greater assistance for children with disabilities.
Consequently, efforts were initiated to legalize the Debbie Kauna Foundation under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) act. In the 2018/2019 academic session, the DKF commenced its first back-to-school project with an official title. Deborah began sharing her vision of reintegrating children with disabilities into the educational sphere with friends and family, receiving positive feedback. Some families even stepped forward to sponsor children, gradually allowing more children with disabilities to return to school.
Initially partnering solely with the LCCN Deaf Center, the Debbie Kauna Foundation facilitated the return of seven disabled children to school during the 2018/2019 academic year. On January 8, 2020, the foundation acquired legal entity status.
Our foundation’s dedication to transparency and ethical practices is highlighted by our decision to register as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) act, thereby solidifying our legal standing and ensuring accountability in operations.
The foundation’s collaborations and projects amplify the voices and requirements of marginalized individuals, specifically those with disabilities, nurturing an environment of acceptance and inclusivity within various communities.
We prioritize transparency in fulfilling our organizational duties. Our annual report is openly accessible on our website, encouraging partners and volunteers to directly witness the positive impact their contributions have on society.