Strong Mamas
Mama Respond continuously collaborates with community members including teachers in the special unit of Noonkopir Primary School in Kitengela.
During our engagements, it is evident that mothers played a significant role as primary caregivers for the children and often voluntarily assisted the overwhelmed teachers in handling the children.
With the aim of gaining a better understanding of the children's origins and diagnoses, we actively involved the mothers in discussions.
Through these interactions, we began recognising and acknowledging the genuine challenges the caregivers and children face.
To address these challenges, we intentionally worked closely with the mothers, placing them at the centre of all discussions concerning the well-being of their special needs children.
This consistent collaboration has fostered strong bonds among the mothers and has resulted in remarkable progress and impact on the well-being of their children.
A Strong Mama Support Group was formed in 2022 to acknowledge the potential impact of shared experiences and discussions on the broader community.
This group includes 87 mothers and a few dedicated fathers who have come together to support one another in the noble journey of raising children with special needs.
This initiative has further expanded to establish five fully registered self-help groups identifying specific problems within their community.
They aim to address these issues by creating awareness and offering solutions to parents and caregivers' dynamic challenges.
Through these efforts, Mama Respond and the Strong Mamas aim to make a positive difference in the lives of children with special needs and contribute to the community's overall well-being.