Education Kenya Project #56361

Outreach - 100 Women with Disabled Children

by Mama Respond International

Project Report | Feb 9, 2026
New Outreachers on the Move

By Erin Hegarty | CEO

Over the past month, the Outreach – 100 Women with Disabled Children project reached a significant milestone as 13 Strong Mamas graduated from the training phase and stepped into their new roles as community outreach workers. This transition marks a shift from learning and personal recovery to leadership, service, and peer support within their own communities.

These newly graduated outreach workers are currently preparing to begin engagement in their local hospitals, where they will support mothers of children with disabilities who are often navigating diagnosis, stigma, and limited access to information. Their preparation has focused on building confidence, ethical engagement, and practical communication skills to ensure outreach is respectful, culturally appropriate, and safe for both the mothers receiving support and those providing it. A key strength of this phase has been peer mentoring.

Three graduates from previous Strong Mamas cohorts are actively mentoring the new outreach group, sharing lived experience and guidance on how to approach vulnerable community members with sensitivity, build trust, and offer meaningful support without causing harm. This peer-led model reinforces leadership, strengthens community ownership, and ensures knowledge is passed on sustainably.

Alongside outreach preparation, the women are working together to set group goals related to economic empowerment. They are developing small business ideas suited to their local contexts, defining shared responsibilities, and building the confidence and planning skills needed to launch income-generating activities. This dual focus on outreach and livelihoods reflects Mama Respond’s holistic approach, recognising that financial stability plays a critical role in long-term wellbeing and in women's ability to support others.

The impact of this period has been significant, with 13 women transitioning into leadership roles, strong mentoring relationships established, and increased readiness for hospital-based outreach. Foundations have also been laid for small-business initiatives that will strengthen the resilience and independence of women and their families.

In the coming months, the outreach workers will begin structured engagement in local hospitals, supported by ongoing mentoring and supervision. We will also continue to support the women as they refine and launch their small businesses, ensuring that empowerment, community support, and sustainability grow together. Thank you to our GlobalGiving supporters for making this progress possible. Your support is helping mothers of children with disabilities move from isolation to leadership, and from receiving support to becoming agents of change in their communities.

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Oct 9, 2025
Training Complete!

By Erin Hegarty | CEO

Dear Friends of Mama Respond,

Mama Respond is proud to announce the successful completion of our second Strong Mamas Training Program - an 18-week initiative designed to empower mothers of children with special needs through education, peer support, and practical skills in mental health and maternal wellbeing.

This term, 23 women participated in the training, engaging deeply in topics such as:

Mental health literacy: understanding stress, trauma, and emotional wellbeing
Maternal and child healthcare: preventive care, immunisation awareness, and navigating local health services
Disability awareness: promoting inclusion and understanding different types of disability
Financial literacy: budgeting, saving, and exploring income-generating ideas
Leadership and advocacy: developing the confidence to lead and influence positive chang

Throughout the program, participants reported that the training was both informative and transformative. Many mothers described it as the first time they’ve had a safe space to talk openly about their mental health and connect with others who share similar experiences.

The impact of the program is already visible in the community. Participants are initiating conversations about disability, maternal wellbeing, and stigma within their families and neighbourhoods, creating a powerful ripple effect of awareness and inclusion.

Upon completing the training, 14 women have now transitioned into the outreach phase of the program. In this next stage, they will receive continued mentorship and support from the Mama Respond team as they begin to apply their learning in real-world settings. As part of their outreach journey, the group has identified a strong interest in learning beadmaking - a creative and culturally meaningful skill that can be developed into small businesses. This new focus will help participants build sustainable sources of income and strengthen their economic independence, while reinforcing the empowerment and confidence gained during training. Mama Respond remains committed to walking alongside these courageous women as they move from learning to leading,building healthier families, stronger communities, and brighter futures.

Thank you to all our supporters and partners who make this work possible. Together, we are transforming lives and creating lasting impact.

Erin Hegarty

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Jun 10, 2025
Teach women to fish and they'll feed the community

By Erin Hegarty | CEO

Good morning, friends of Mama Respond,

We are halfway through our second training program designed to teach mothers of children with special needs (Strong Mamas) about mental and maternal healthcare.

So far, we’ve had over 40 participants, and their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many mothers have shared how the sessions are not only informative but deeply transformative. For most, this is the first time they've had a safe space to discuss their mental health openly, learn about their rights, and connect with other women facing similar challenges.

The Strong Mamas Training Program is a 16-week journey designed to empower women through education, peer support, and practical tools. This term, our curriculum includes:

Mental health literacy: Understanding stress, trauma, and emotional wellbeing
Maternal and child healthcare: Preventive care, immunisation awareness, and navigating local health services
Disability awareness: Understanding different types of disability and promoting inclusion
Financial literacy: Budgeting, saving, and exploring income-generating ideas
Leadership and advocacy: Encouraging participants to be voices for change in their communities

Several women have already begun applying what they’ve learned. One participant group is developing a small business idea centred on a water vending station. This idea is rooted in both their lived experiences and their growing confidence in leading.

We’ve also seen a ripple effect in community attitudes. Some mothers have shared that their extended families and neighbours are asking questions about what they’re learning, sparking broader conversations around disability, stigma, and maternal wellbeing.

As we prepare for the final weeks of training, we’re focused on developing group projects and providing mentorship. Each woman will graduate with a plan of action—whether it’s a personal goal, a family health strategy, or a community project. Upon graduation, participants will receive a certificate and ongoing support from our outreach team as they continue their journey.

We are proud to walk alongside these courageous women, who are not just learning—they are leading the way.

Thank you for supporting this work. Together, we are building a community where mothers of children with special needs are empowered, respected, and equipped to thrive.

Links:

Mama Respond Facebook

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