**Mama Respond International Ltd** is an Australian nonprofit organisation focused on improving healthcare and education access for children with disabilities and their families, particularly in underserved communities. Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), it operates programs in Australia and Kenya, emphasizing maternal empowerment and community-driven support systems.

## Overview  
Founded in response to healthcare disparities faced by children with disabilities, Mama Respond International connects families to medical resources, expands educational opportunities, and fosters economic independence. Its initiatives target preventable disabilities through early diagnosis and treatment, while providing lifelong support for chronic conditions. Key activities include medical referrals, educational capacity-building, and maternal training programs.

## Programs  
### Healthcare and Education Access  
The organisation identifies children with disabilities, facilitates hospital diagnoses, and funds treatments. Its efforts have established the only comprehensive special needs educational unit in Kenya’s Kajiado County, serving 80+ students annually. The unit includes accessible infrastructure, such as terrain-specific wheelchairs shipped from Australia, and integrates medical support to reduce stigma and inequality.

### Maternal Empowerment  
Mama Respond organizes **Strong Mamas**, a community group uniting 80+ mothers weekly to share resources, conduct outreach, and advocate for disability awareness. Participants receive training in healthcare, data collection, and income-generating activities, which they disseminate to broader communities. These efforts aim to mitigate social isolation and improve financial resilience.

### Economic Initiatives  
The nonprofit supports local entrepreneurship by creating markets for mothers to launch businesses. This approach strengthens financial independence while encouraging community cohesion through shared economic participation.

## Impact  
Since its inception, Mama Respond International has:  
- **Increased educational capacity** by 400% in its special needs unit.  
- **Distributed mobility aids** to enhance independence for children with physical disabilities.  
- **Mobilized maternal networks** to mentor families on disability prevention and care.  

Collaborations with entities like Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have amplified funding and outreach capabilities. The organisation’s model prioritizes sustainable, community-led solutions to systemic healthcare and educational barriers.  

[1] https://www.mamarespond.org [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/e489bc64-bf5d-ea11-a811-000d3ad1f29c/profile [3] https://www.mamarespond.org/about-us [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/e489bc64-bf5d-ea11-a811-000d3ad1f29c/documents/56767eb2-a291-ef11-8a69-6045bdc2e5b8 [5] https://www.instagram.com/mamarespond/