SECOND CHANCE FOR 300 TEEN MOTHERS IN NYAMIRA

A community engagement activity for teen mothers and adolescent girls was conducted on 10/05/2026 at Ekerenyo Ward, Bokurati 1 Sub-Location. The meeting brought together 100 girls who became mothers while in their teens, the area Sub-Chief, a Community Health Officer, 10 clan elders, and a few community leaders. The purpose of the engagement was to promote menstrual hygiene management, strengthen awareness on the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and address teenage pregnancy within the community.

The session created an open and supportive environment where participants discussed challenges affecting adolescent girls and teen mothers, including lack of access to menstrual hygiene materials, stigma during menstruation, school dropout, and early pregnancies. The Community Health Officer guided the participants on menstrual health and hygiene, emphasizing proper cleanliness, safe use of sanitary towels, and prevention of infections. The officer stated, “Every girl deserves access to safe menstrual hygiene practices. No girl should suffer in silence or miss opportunities because of her period.” Girls were encouraged to seek accurate health information and report to the authorities as trained.

The area Sub-Chief and clan elders strongly addressed the community on the harmful effects of FGM, early pregnancies and early marriages. The Sub-Chief noted, “These vices rob our girls of their future. We must all work together to protect and educate the girl child.” Clan elders also pledged their support, with one elder stating, “As leaders in this community, we must be at the forefront of ending harmful practices that affect our daughters.” Their remarks reinforced the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding girls’ rights and wellbeing.

Teenage pregnancy prevention was also a key focus of the discussion. Participants were sensitized on the importance of life skills, informed decision-making, and positive peer influence. A teen mother shared her experience, saying, “I thought my life had ended when I became pregnant, but today I have learned that I can still rebuild my future.” Her testimony encouraged other girls to remain hopeful and focused on their goals despite challenges.

To support menstrual hygiene needs, essential items were distributed to the beneficiaries. Each of the 100 girls received four pairs of pants and two packets of sanitary towels, while 100 bars of soap were also provided. One beneficiary remarked, “These items will help restore our dignity and confidence, especially during our periods.” The distribution aimed at improving menstrual hygiene management and restoring dignity among vulnerable girls and teen mothers.

Today we also completed surveys and collected information which identifies each girl’s priorities. There are those who aspire to go back to school, others want to gain skills through local polytechnics and others want to do kitchen gardens and small businesses. HFAW will analyze these data and develop and solid plan to help these girls get on track in their goals towards empowerment.

The activity concluded with tangible engagement of the community members and leaders who will be key liaison to get these girls into schools, colleges and businesses and ensure that parents and guardians provide a supportive environment in the care of the little babies while their daughters get back on track.

That is why this project is so critical. It is not about one day provision but a kind of life initiative that is life transforming and we are proud that you are walking with us on this journey. Please be assured that your generous donation is creating impact in ways we can’t put in word. We will continue sharing progress reports on the impact of this project.