Therapy scholarshipsfor students in Kenya & Uganda
Every time a family books a therapy session on ViaThera, a portion of platform revenue flows into a Global Fund. 20% of that fund is dedicated to Pathways scholarships for occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology students.
Kenya & Uganda Launching 2027
The global therapist shortage
Millions of Children Without Access
In East Africa, the shortage of occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists is critical. Kenya has approximately 1 therapist for every 100,000 people. Uganda has even fewer—about 1 therapist per 150,000 people. Compare this to the United States, where there's 1 therapist for every 3,000 people.
Children with cerebral palsy, autism, developmental delays, and other disabilities often go without the therapy services they desperately need.
The shortage isn't just about access to therapists—it's about access to therapy education. Many talented students in Kenya and Uganda cannot afford the $1,000-$3,500 annual tuition for occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech-language pathology programs.
Without trained therapists, children cannot reach their full potential. Families struggle without support. Communities lack the professionals needed to build inclusive societies.
1:100,000
Therapist-to-child ratio in Kenya
1:150,000
Therapist-to-child ratio in Uganda
$1,000-3,500
Annual cost of therapy education in East Africa
Every session creates opportunity
Here's how your therapy sessions fund scholarships in Kenya and Uganda.
Family Books Session
A family in Colorado books a $125 therapy session through ViaThera's marketplace.
Revenue Funds Pathways
A percentage of ViaThera's platform revenue goes to a Global Fund. 20% of that fund is allocated to Pathways scholarships.
Scholarships Awarded
Funds are pooled annually and awarded as scholarships to OT/PT/SLP students in Kenya and Uganda.
Graduates Serve
Scholarship recipients graduate, become licensed therapists, and serve children with disabilities in their communities.
50 ViaThera sessions = 1 full year of therapy education for a student in East Africa
Your sessions create therapists. Those therapists serve children. Those children transform communities.
Two scholarship tracks
Supporting students at different levels of need.
Commitment Scholars
$3,500-4,500
per year · Renewable for 4 years (full degree)
What's Covered
- Full tuition (bachelor's degree)
- Books and materials
- Clinical placement fees
- Licensing exam fees
- Modest living stipend
Eligibility
- Kenyan or Ugandan citizen
- Accepted to accredited 4-year OT/PT/SLP program
- Exceptional financial need
- Strong academic record
Number of Awards
2 Commitment Scholars awarded annually (1 Kenya, 1 Uganda)
Bridge Scholars
$1,800-2,000
per year · Renewable annually
What's Covered
- 60-80% of tuition (diploma programs)
- 50-70% of tuition (bachelor's programs)
- Partial books and materials
Eligibility
- Kenyan or Ugandan citizen
- Accepted to accredited OT/PT/SLP program
- Financial need
- Good academic standing
Number of Awards
6 Bridge Scholars awarded annually (3 Kenya, 3 Uganda)
Why Kenya & Uganda
Two countries, one mission: expanding access to therapy education.
Kenya
Uganda
Established Programs
Multiple accredited institutions including Kenya Medical Training College, Kenyatta University, and Mount Kenya University offer OT/PT/SLP programs.
Quality Education
Accredited programs at Makerere University and other institutions provide excellent training for future therapists.
Regional Hub
As East Africa's economic center, Kenya-trained therapists can serve throughout the region.
Critical Need
With only ~100 occupational therapists for 45 million people, every new graduate creates transformative impact.
Growing Field
Kenya's professional therapy associations and government support create a strong foundation for graduates.
Cost-Effective
Lower tuition costs mean scholarships can cover full programs, removing all financial barriers for students.
2027 Awards: 1 Commitment Scholar + 3 Bridge Scholars = 4 total
2027 Awards: 1 Commitment Scholar + 3 Bridge Scholars = 4 total
Our Growth Plan
2027
Kenya + Uganda: 8 scholars
2028
Expand: Kenya (6) + Uganda (6) + Tanzania (2) = 14 scholars
2031
Multi-region: 38 scholars across East Africa, Southeast Asia, West Africa
Meet our future scholars
Stories from students like those ViaThera Pathways will support.
Amara K.
Nakuru, Kenya
Amara dreams of becoming an occupational therapist to help children in her rural community. She's been accepted to Kenya Medical Training College but her family's income of $2,000/year cannot cover the $2,500 annual tuition. A ViaThera Pathways scholarship would make her dream possible.
"There are no therapists in my entire county. Children with disabilities need support, and I want to be the one to help them."
David M.
Kampala, Uganda
David's younger brother has cerebral palsy and has never received therapy. This inspired David to pursue physiotherapy at Makerere University. He's worked two jobs to save for tuition, but the $1,800/year cost is still out of reach. A Bridge Scholarship would allow him to focus fully on his studies.
"I've seen what my brother could achieve with proper support. I want to give that hope to other families."
Grace N.
Mombasa, Kenya
Grace wants to specialize in speech-language pathology—a field with fewer than 150 practitioners in all of Kenya. She's been accepted to Kenyatta University's program but cannot afford the fees. A Commitment Scholarship would allow her to graduate debt-free and serve children in coastal Kenya who currently have zero access to speech therapy.
"Many children are labeled 'unable to learn' simply because they can't communicate. I want to unlock their potential."
*These are representative stories. Actual scholarship recipients will be featured here starting in 2027.
The ripple effect
One scholarship changes hundreds of lives.
1 Scholarship Recipient
Becomes a Licensed Therapist
Serves 200-500 children over their career
Transforms Families and Communities
By 2031, ViaThera Pathways scholars will serve an estimated 10,000+ children with disabilities across multiple countries. That's the power of sustainable, education-focused impact.
Your sessions fund dreams
Every time you book a ViaThera session, you're creating opportunity in Kenya and Uganda
Where Your $125 Session Fee Goes
From ViaThera booking-charge revenue, a percentage flows into the Global Fund. That fund is split: 50% Bridge · 20% Pathways · 30% Operations
Calculate Your Impact
50 sessions
$125.00
You've contributed toward books and materials for a Bridge Scholar!
- 20 sessions = $50 → "1 month of books"
- 50 sessions = $125 → "Partial semester tuition"
- 72 sessions = $180 → "Full semester for Bridge Scholar in Uganda"
- 140 sessions = $350 → "Clinical placement fees for a year"
- 200 sessions = $500 → "Full scholarship for Bridge Scholar (Uganda)"
Support Pathways directly
Want to make an even bigger impact?
While ViaThera Pathways is primarily funded through 20% of the ViaThera Global Fund (derived from platform revenue on every session booked), we also accept direct donations to expand our scholarship program. 100% of your donation goes directly to student scholarships in Kenya and Uganda—we don't take any administrative fees.
$50
Provides books and materials for one semester
$500
Covers one full semester of tuition in Uganda
$1,800
Funds a complete Bridge Scholarship for one year in Uganda
One-time or monthly donations accepted. Donations are not currently tax-deductible as ViaThera is a for-profit LLC.
Questions about donating? Read our Donation FAQFrequently asked questions
Join the Pathways waitlist
Be the first to know when applications open in 2027