In a heartwarming Zoom call, Megan Webber, Co-Founder of KnowTheGlow (KTG), and Helene Dameris, KTG’s Director of Global Outreach, connected with Erin Hagerty, the dynamic Founder of Mama Respond, a grassroots NGO dedicated to maternal and child health and education in Kenya. This introduction was made possible through Njoki Wachira, the SEVA Program Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, and an influential connector who brought Erin and the KTG team together.
The journey that led Erin to create Mama Respond is as unique as it is inspiring. Having initially traveled to Kenya as a young teacher, she found herself frustrated by the enormous challenges in the educational system there. Faced with classrooms packed with 130 students, Erin realized that there had to be a better way. She began building classrooms herself, determined to improve conditions for the children she came to care so deeply about. Her work continued over several years, but in 2017, she encountered a transformative moment when she visited a school’s classroom for children with disabilities. This tiny, bathroom-sized space was expected to cater to 40 special needs children, and it opened Erin’s eyes to the overwhelming challenges facing special needs education in Kenya.
This eye-opening experience sparked Erin’s next chapter, leading her to focus on disability care and maternal health. She met Njoki Wachira during this period, then a representative from the Fred Hollows Foundation, and the encounter would prove pivotal. Erin shared the story of a child named Lucky, who was suffering from undiagnosed bilateral cataracts. Erin, realizing the severity of Lucky’s condition, pushed for his treatment, and thanks to Fred Hollows, Lucky underwent surgery, transforming not just his vision but his entire future. He now excels academically, a shining example of the life-changing power of early intervention.
“I can be a pushy girl,” Erin confessed with a smile, sharing how that pushiness motivated her to start Mama Respond. She channeled her passion into building a community-centered organization that not only advocates for maternal and child health and education but also supports families with disabilities. Working within local frameworks, Erin believes in empowering communities rather than imposing external solutions. This grassroots approach is central to everything *Mama Respond* does.
One of the flagship initiatives of Mama Respond is the Strong Mamas program, which started with a group of 12 women and has now grown to over 120. These women meet weekly, training in prenatal and postnatal care, mental health, disability carre, financial literacy, and group dynamics. They take this knowledge back to their communities, encouraging and empowering other women to seek the healthcare and community engagement they need. Erin and her team are currently working to expand this program into other townships, with the hope of reaching even more mamas across Kenya.
In addition to supporting maternal health, Mama Respond works closely with children with disabilities through a program called Child Chats. These sessions aim to connect children with disabilities and their families to medical resources while fostering a dialogue about each child’s specific needs. The program encourages families to truly understand their child’s diagnosis and how to support their growth and development. For Erin, this is about more than just healthcare—it’s about tackling the deep-seated stigma that often surrounds disability in Kenya.
Through her tireless work, Erin has developed strong relationships with hospitals, doctors, and other NGOs, even securing grants from organizations like Rotary to fund outreach and treatment for children with disabilities. One recent grant helped provide transportation and support for families seeking a diagnosis for their child—a crucial first step in ensuring access to the medical care these children desperately need.
Erin’s dedication to special needs education doesn’t stop there. With the support of local communities, Mama Respond has built the only special needs unit in Kitengela, which now serves 24 students. The unit was handed over to the local authorities last year, and Erin is hopeful it will serve as a blueprint for inclusive spaces across the country.
In Erin’s view, true progress can only come from within the community. She is committed to the long game, emphasizing that any project Mama Responds takes on must have local buy-in. Her deep respect for Kenyan culture and her focus on fostering long-term relationships have led to what she describes as “overnight fame” for her organization. But for Erin, it’s not about the recognition—it’s about the impact.
One of her proudest achievements is the success of the Armadale Market in Australia, which supports 300 families a year in gaining financial independence. Many of these women, starting with no skills, grow their businesses from a single card table to thriving market stalls. This model of empowerment is something Erin hopes to replicate in Kenya as Mama Respond continues to expand.
As the youngest of seven children, Erin credits much of her drive and passion to her mother, a trailblazer in her own right. Her mother, at 70, accompanied Erin to Kenya for the first time last year and has been a passionate supporter of the cause ever since. Erin’s husband, a prison officer studying social work, is equally committed to making a difference, particularly in men’s health and suicide prevention.
With support from Rotary and other grants, Mama Respond has ambitious plans for the future. Erin is currently exploring opportunities to expand beyond Kenya, using her strategic blueprint for inclusive spaces to help communities around the world. While this expansion may take time, Erin is confident that with her community-first approach, Mama Respond can make a lasting impact far beyond the borders of Kenya.
In every aspect of her work, Erin exemplifies what it means to be an advocate, not just for children with disabilities, but for entire communities. She’s not content to merely raise awareness—she’s driving real change, one step at a time. For Erin, it’s all about pushing forward, always striving for a better future for the children and families she’s dedicated her life to serving.
