This year we honour the 20th anniversary of the tremendous work of the founders of CPA. In April 2005, a shared vision brought together three passionate individuals—Archie Hinchcliffe and Jean and Kennett Westmacott—to create Cerebral Palsy Africa (CPA). Their mission was simple yet ambitious: empower communities across Africa to better support children with cerebral palsy (CP) through sustainable, locally driven solutions.

Archie, a pediatric physiotherapist with years of experience, had traveled extensively across Africa. Her work training therapists, special needs teachers, and families gave her deep insight into the challenges faced by children with CP. Yet, she was frustrated—too often, progress stalled due to a lack of sustainable infrastructure and collaboration. She strongly believed that the only way forward was to build skilled, multidisciplinary teams, provide access to affordable and safe equipment, and motivate local governments to invest in ongoing training.

Meanwhile, Jean and Kennett Westmacott brought their own unique expertise to the table. Masters of innovation, they developed safe, supportive chairs and standing frames made from something as simple as recycled cardboard and paper. In 2019, three of their chair designs were rigorously tested and approved for safety—an important milestone in making assistive technology more accessible.

Together, the founders launched CPA, blending clinical knowledge with ingenious design to offer practical, replicable solutions. Their work quickly gained attention. Funders such as the Scottish Government Development Programme and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office recognized the impact of CPA’s community-based training programs. With their support, CPA expanded its reach, equipping therapists, teachers, community workers, and families with the skills they needed to make a difference.

Cerebral Palsy Africa’s story is one of heart, innovation, and the unwavering belief that with the right tools and support, every child can thrive.