Understanding Our Mission

At Mama na Mwana Foundation, we believe that every mother and child deserves a life filled with dignity and opportunity. Our mission is to empower 5,000 mothers and children with disabilities between 2025 and 2028 through integrated support, advocacy, and community transformation across at least 15 districts in Tanzania. We focus particularly on those affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus, ensuring they receive the help they need to thrive within their communities.

Core Causes at a Glance

• Support for Children with Disabilities: We provide critical resources and programs tailored to the unique needs of children with disabilities.
• Empowerment of Mothers and Caregivers: Mothers play a crucial role in the health and wellbeing of their children; hence, we equip them with tools for self-advocacy and resilience.
• Mental Health and Emotional Healing: Mental wellness is essential for effective caregiving, so we offer counseling and support services.
• Inclusive Education: Every child deserves education—our advocacy focuses on promoting inclusive education practices.
• Economic Resilience: We provide vocational training and resources to foster sustainable livelihoods among mothers and caregivers.
• Spiritual and Cultural Healing: Our programs promote healing rooted in African spirituality, restoring dignity to families.
• Advocacy for Inclusive Communities: We work tirelessly to change perceptions and reduce stigma around disabilities.

The Heart of Our Foundation: Founder’s Story

Janet Manoni, the founder of Mama na Mwana Foundation, turned her personal grief into a meaningful cause. After the loss of family members, Janet experienced a profound spiritual awakening that inspired her to help vulnerable mothers and children. With training as a Waldorf Educator and experience from Friends for Children with Cancer (FOCC), she established our foundation to honor the sacred bond between mother and child.

Services We Offer

Our programs are designed to address multiple aspects of life for mothers and children with disabilities:

1. Maternal Empowerment

• Self-esteem and leadership training
• Peer mentorship networks
• Inclusion in community decision-making

2. Mental Health Support

• Counseling and psychosocial care
• Mental health training for health workers
• Anti-stigma education campaigns

3. Economic Resilience

• Vocational training and entrepreneurship
• Access to microfinance and savings groups
• Financial literacy education

4. Inclusive Education

• Advocacy for inclusive education policies
• Parental engagement in learning
• Asili Academy in Vikindu

5. Training & Capacity Building

• Life skills, caregiving, and disability rights training
• Digital literacy and professional development
• Capacity building for local leaders

6. Advocacy for Inclusive Communities

• Awareness campaigns to reduce stigma
• Policy engagement and lobbying
• Media partnerships to amplify voices

7. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Response

• GBV education and advocacy
• Safe spaces and referral services
• Community training and legal advocacy

Impact Goals by 2030

Our vision is clear—to create a society where mothers and children with disabilities thrive with dignity and opportunity. By 2030, we aim to:

• Reach 10,000 mothers and children with disabilities across Tanzania
• Promote inclusive education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods
• Build inclusive communities and reduce stigma nationwide

Join Our Cause

Mama na Mwana Foundation is about community, compassion, and action. We invite you to become part of our journey towards transformation. Whether through partnerships, funding, or awareness, your support can help us make a difference.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about our initiatives or get involved, please reach out:

• Email: contact@mamanamwanafoundation.org
• Phone: +255 754 747 999

Together, we can uplift mothers and children with disabilities, fostering a future filled with hope and inclusion.