On Friday, February 13th, we hosted a networking mixer that brought together members of the African diaspora community for networking, meaningful conversations, and an intimate fireside chat with Irene Mbari-Kirika.
Irene is the Founder and Executive Director of inABLE, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering blind and visually impaired individuals across Africa through computer assistive technology.
Founded in 2009, inABLE was born out of Irene’s deep conviction that disability should never be a barrier to opportunity. Through innovative technology solutions, teacher training, and advocacy, inABLE is transforming access to education and employment for visually impaired students across the continent.
During the chat, Irene shared candidly about the inspiration behind starting inABLE and the realities of building a nonprofit from the ground up. Her message resonated strongly with attendees, especially as she reminded us:
- We are all privileged in some form, and we should never take that for granted.
- No contribution is too small when it comes to creating impact back home.
- We should not allow the scale or complexity of an idea to intimidate us; even if we don’t have everything mapped out, we will figure it out along the way.
The evening was yet another testament to the power of diaspora engagement and creating a space for shared learning and authentic connection.
Event photos are shared below. Special thanks to Sekou for these photos.
About inABLE
inABLE is a nonprofit organization based in Kenya with a mission to empower blind and visually impaired individuals in Africa through computer-assistive technology. Since its founding in 2009, inABLE has worked with schools, educators, and communities to improve digital accessibility and expand opportunities for inclusive education.
Learn More
- Website: https://inable.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inableorg
Suggested Ways to Support
- Make a financial donation to support assistive technology programs.
- If your company offers corporate social responsibility (CSR) giving, consider adding inABLE to your organization’s list of approved NGOs for employee matching gifts or corporate support programs.
Stay connected with Africa Village Square for more community conversations, partnerships, and opportunities to make a difference.
