By: Alpana Gupta, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Ridgefield, CT, USA
www.daylifenews.in
I work for a German pharmaceutical company- Boehringer Ingelheim – the US headquarters are in Ridgefield, Connecticut, where I am located. BoehringerIngelheim runs a program called Making More Health(MMH) whereby we help underserved communities in countries like Kenya to provide sustainable solutions and help those living in poverty to become independent and be able to support themselves. My company has been running this program for the past 10 to 12 years, and every year a group of 12 – 15 employees in leadership positions get the opportunity to visit Kenya and see how the MMH initiative is helping create sustainable growth. As an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim,I had the opportunity to participatein this weeklongprogramin October 2025.Through the MMH Leadership Insights Week, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the lives of underserved communities in Webuye, Bungoma County.It’s been several weeks since I returned from Kenya, and yet the memories remain vivid – etched in my heart and mind. What began as a two-week trip, with the first week spent on a breathtaking safari with my husband, quickly transformed into something far deeper and more profound during the second week: a journey of purpose, empathy, and transformation.
Up, Close and Personal
Embarking on a Kenyan safari for the first time is truly unforgettable. The anticipation builds as you pack your bags, ready your camera, and climb into a rugged jeep, eager to witness the wonders of the African landscape. The journey is not just about spotting wildlife, it’s about immersing yourself in the raw beauty and vastness of nature.
Not only were the views breathtaking, we also got to see the BIG 5–Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Water Buffalo, and much,muchmore. Endless golden grasslands stretching to the horizon, dotted with acacia trees silhouetted against a brilliant sky. The air was filled with the sounds of distant birds and the occasional roar or trumpet from the wildlife. Every turn brought a new marvel – herds of elephants moving gracefully, giraffes nibbling at treetops, and zebras grazing in perfect harmony.
The sunrise and sunset are especially magical. The sky transforms into a canvas of fiery oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a warm glow over the land and its inhabitants. In these moments, we felt a profound connection to the earth and its rhythms, a sense of peace and awe that stayed with us long after the journey ends.
This safari experience was more than a sightseeing adventure; it was an encounter with the wild, a reminder of the planet’s beauty and resilience. The memories of these landscapes and the sense of wonder they inspire are truly everlasting.
Hyenas, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, hippos, leopard and more
Living the Reality of Change
My first week in Kenya was a total contrast to the fsecond, and it is all because of the moving experience during the MMH program. The MMH program is designed to help leaders understand global challenges – poverty, health disparities, education gaps, and inequalityby engaging directly with local communities and NGO (non-government organization) partners. In Webuye, I witnessed firsthand how these communities, despite facing unimaginable hardships, are moving toward self-sustainability and independence.
What struck me most was the indomitable spirit of the people. They welcomed our group of 15 Boehringer leaders with open arms and warm smiles. Despite lacking basic necessities, they radiated joy, hope, and generosity. Their stories, told in Swahili or English, were emotionally powerful, heartfelt, and deeply moving. Language was never a barrier, connection came from the heart.
Diversity and Inclusion
Boehringer’s partner NGO, GAASPP (Golden Aged and Albinism Support and Protection Programme), part of the System Changer Network (SCN) in Kenyais a perfect example of unity in diversity. The GAASPP center has street children, teenage mothers and people with albinism – all of them together, form a community to help each other and collectively uplift themselves. Their model is self sustainable – people with albinism, who are often marginalized, are integrated into society by making them caregivers of the elderly and children; the teenage mothers and street boys are given vocational training and education, which helps them become independent and provide a better life for themselves. Once the core group of people become independent, they help others like them, and this is how the circle of help continues to give a beautiful beginning to an end.
This ecosystem of mutual support is a living example of Sustainable Development. It’s a testament to how compassion, collaboration, and inclusion can turn vulnerability into strength.
Stories That Stick
We met teenage mothers who had been abandoned by their families, left to fend for themselves. The center gave them not just shelter, but skills, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Some of them, now independent, are uplifting others like them, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
We also met individuals with albinism, who have long been ostracized due to harmful myths and stigma. Seeing them now, integrated into the community, working as caregivers and contributing members of society, was deeply moving. They have been provided a home to live in, and a purpose for their existence. It’s a powerful reminder that change is possible, but it takes time, patience, and unwavering commitment.
The Joy of Little Things
One moment that will stay with me forever: visiting a school where children had no desks, no books, and barely enough mattresses to sleep on. Yet, when we brought simple gifts -balls, kites, toys – their joy was boundless. Over 500 children ran after a single kite, laughing and shouting with delight. They shared everything without complaint. Even those who didn’t get a turn were happy just to watch. Their contagious laughter warmed my heart. Even amidst scarcity they find immense pleasure in little things.
Self-Awareness, Purposeand Meaning
This experience challenged me to observe, listen, and act with intention. It reminded me that sustainability is key to empowering communities. I gained new perspectives on leadership, cultural awareness, and the power of empathy. I saw how small actions can drive meaningful impact.
I return with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper belief in the values we uphold at Boehringer Ingelheim. We don’t just talk about change, we live it. And I’m proud to be part of a company that supports such transformative work.
Ten days in Kenya changed me. I witnessed resilience, felt deep human connection, and learned the power of presence. This wasn’t just a professional program, it was a journey of the heart.
To my colleagues who shared this journey with me, thank you for your inspiration and camaraderie. And to the communities of Webuye, thank you for your strength, your stories, and your smiles. You’ve left an indelible mark on me.
How can I help more? That’s the question I carry with me now.
Clockwise from top left: GAASPP center in Webuye, Solasa Bakery funded by Boehringer Ingelheim that partially supports the community financially, peacefully sleeping baby, I am sitting with children of the teenage moms, me and an albino child, sharing the excitement with Kenyan school girls, co-ordinator of the GAASPP center with me