Life Skills for Pregnant Teenagers
Code:
UGA-WAK-SPT-P01
Country:
UgandaCause:
Economic EmpowermentPopulation:
45.7 millionHuman Dev Index:
#166 (Aus #5)Jan 19
Overview
This project assists marginalised teenage girls aged 10 –18 with crisis pregnancies as a result of rape. The girls, who have been sent away from school, home, institutions and their communities due to the perceived shame it brings on the family, are taken in by our partners where they reside for 2–8 months during their pregnancy. The project provides vocational training skills in candle making, cooking, urban agriculture, tailoring and arts/crafts. These skills help them secure jobs after they have left the centre or start small businesses to break the cycle of poverty. The new mothers need a means to support themselves and their child.
Why support this
The Centre was established in 2005 and is located in the capital Kampala, a central point for accepting up to 30 girls from around the region at any one time. Over 1200 pre-teen and teenage girls have been cared for. Our partners have a proven track record of caring for pregnant girls, not only physically but emotionally as well, as there is usually much trauma involved because of the rape. We are excited that our partners have received national recognition for advocacy campaigns to stop violence against children.
Budget
This includes comprehensive training in cookery, tailoring, agriculture and art/craft.
Objectives Include
- Young girls are often targeted by men in the community, particularly if they are not in school or working.
- Girls are blamed for the rape and shunned by their families and their society.
- The Centre provides a place where family reconciliation is facilitated, girls receive counselling and can be better prepared to deliver and to learn to care for their babies in a safe environment.
- Rape is all too common and girls need education and skills to make their way in life.
Expected Life Change
- Girls will be helped to deliver their babies in a safe environment.
- Vocational skills will help the girls to start an income-generating project or find a job to support themselves.
- Families will be assisted with reconciliation so that girls have an accepting home environment.
- Girls will learn personal and baby care providing necessary skills and a sense of self-worth.