Creating Opportunity Where Mobility Is Missing
Why We Exist
Because Every Child Deserves the Chance to Move, Learn, and Belong
Mobility is more than movement; it is dignity, inclusion, and possibility. Blu Spring exists to support children with disabilities and their communities throughout Zambia who lack access to appropriate mobility aids and rehabilitation services. By providing wheelchairs and strengthening local healthcare knowledge, we help remove barriers that limit children’s health, education, and participation in daily life.
Blu Spring was founded on a simple but powerful belief: no child should be excluded from life because they lack the right support. In Zambia, many children with physical disabilities grow up without access to properly fitted wheelchairs, posture support, or rehabilitation services. We exist to respond to that gap with practical solutions and long-term commitment.
Our Mission
The Reality Children Face
Together, these pillars shape a future where every child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Educate
We educate caregivers, families, local professionals, and women through training, workshops, and open dialogue. Our education programs include mobility support, health awareness, menstrual hygiene, and basic business skills with the goal of building knowledge, confidence, and sustainable impact.
Empower
We empower children with disabilities by providing specially designed wheelchairs, assistive devices, and physical therapy; giving them the freedom to move, learn, and participate in daily life. We also empower women by offering access to menstrual cups for safe and hygienic menstrual care, as well as a micro-loan system to help start or strengthen small businesses, creating pathways to income and self-reliance.
Enable
We enable lasting change by removing physical, social, and economic barriers. By working closely with local communities and partners, we help children continue their education, support women in remaining active in work and community life, and strengthen local capacity for long-term impact.
Our Vision for the Future
As we continue to grow, so does our responsibility.
With over 2,300 wheelchairs already distributed across Zambia and an increasing number of follow-up visits required each year, our work is reaching further than ever before.
The vast distances, remote communities, and the ongoing needs of children we serve present both challenges and opportunities, and they shape our vision for the future. The following priorities outline the key steps needed to better serve children with disabilities and their families:
Transport
A dedicated 4x4 vehicle
Reach remote and underserved areas year-round
Children outgrowing our wheelchairs
Local Production of Larger Wheelchairs
Repairs
Local maintenance and repair of wheelchairs
Local sourcing, creating employment, economic empowerment for people with disabilities.
Expanding Capacity
Employment Full-Time Local Staff
Strengthen continuity, foster local ownership, and build deeper, long-term relationships within communities.
Expanding Capacity
Blu Spring Headquarters & Workshop
Streamline operations, improve efficiency, and respond more quickly to the needs of children and families.
Our vision is one of sustainability, inclusion, and long-term impact, where local communities are empowered to be part of the solution.
Together, these initiatives will allow BluSpring to move from short-term intervention toward a sustainable, locally rooted model that ensures children continue receiving the care, mobility, and support they deserve; today and in the future.
Our Story
Blu Spring began with a simple but powerful moment.
It all began in 2014
Dutch physiotherapist Marco Kerkhof visited Zambia for the first time. While volunteering at Kasisi Children’s Home in Lusaka, he was confronted with a reality that would change the course of his work.
He found the children with disabilities laying on the floor, unable to sit upright, fully dependent on others and limited by the absence of even the most basic support. Without access to basic healthcare and mobility aids or proper seating, they were unable to move independently and take part in everyday activities, a situation that deeply affected Marco and laid the foundation for what would later become Blu Spring.
One special wheelchair
During one of his visits in a remote area of Zambia, Marco came across an adaptable wheelchair which provided the support for the disabled children he was looking for. Marco connected with Wheelchairs for Kids Australia (WFK) and ordered the first eight wheelchairs. The impact was immediate and profound. Children who had never moved independently before were suddenly able to sit, play, explore and be independent.
Families experienced relief, hope, and a renewed sense of possibility.
A life-changing movement
Inspired by these life-changing moments, Marco wanted to reach more children and families. In 2017, together with friends and family, he founded the Blu Spring Association. Built on the principles of transparency, trust, and direct impact in the mission to empower children living with disabilities. Donations came from patients and supporters who believed in the mission and wanted to know exactly how their contributions were making a difference.
Behind the Name
Our name reflects who we are and what we stand for.
“Blu” symbolizes trust, calm, healing, and dignity; values at the heart of our work with children with disabilities and their families. It represents stability, care, and the reassurance that no child is forgotten.
“Spring” stands for new beginnings, growth, and renewal. It reflects the moment a child gains mobility, a family gains hope, and a community becomes stronger and more inclusive.
Together, Blu Spring represents hope, empowerment, and the start of positive change.
Meet the Team
Together, we can create new beginnings: all this would not be possible without our incredible team.
Executive Team
Marco Kerkhof
Physiotherapist and Founder of Blu Spring
(pictured right)
Jules Adriaansen
Physiotherapist and Director
(pictured left)
Field Team
Conrad Subulwa
Physiotherapist
Derick Tembo
Wheelchair Technician
David Miti
Wheelchair Technician
Christine Chitwanga
Tailor
Board of Trustees
Marinus (Marco) Kerkhof
President
Physiotherapist and Founder of Blu Spring Associazione
Tito Pedretti
Vice-President
Swiss certfied Public Accountant, Member of EXPERTSuisse
Ursula Frigerio
Treasurer
Administrative and office management professional
Zoe Kerkhof
Secretary
Project Manager
Selene Farine
Member at Large
Office manager
Ambassadors
Peter-Paul Adriaansen
Wouter van der Ploeg
Join Us
Creating impact side by side
Every wheelchair, every workshop, and every opportunity we create is made possible through people who believe in inclusion, dignity, and hope.
By joining Blu Spring - as a supporter, partner, or advocate - you become part of a growing movement that believes mobility opens doors and opportunity changes lives.