When I had just finished primary school, something unexpected happened. I found out I was going to have a baby. Living only with my father, who did his best but couldn't support both my education and the upcoming arrival. I had to leave school and eventually my home. Back then, everything felt impossible and hopeless. But things are changing now.” Adeline Muhaweninama, a young mother who graduated from vocational training through UNFPA’s youth empowerment program.
Born from a financially struggling family in rural Rusizi, Adeline was forced to abandon school, leave her home and her aspirations behind when she found out she was pregnant at the age of 15. She started living a life of wandering as she struggled to support herself and her unborn baby, seeking ways to secure their livelihood.
Adeline's story mirrors the widespread issue of school dropouts and sometimes family detachment due to teenage pregnancies, a persistent challenge not just in her home district, Rusizi, but in all parts of Rwanda where the national prevalence of teenage pregnancy is at 5.2% according to the latest Rwanda Demographic Health Survey, released in 2020.
For many teen mothers, the inability to provide basic necessities for themselves and their children forces them to forego education, perpetuating a cycle of limited opportunities and economic struggles. In addition, Social stigma amplifies the isolation and mental strain on these individuals and their families.
Recognizing these challenges, UNFPA Rwanda, thanks to the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, through the Safeguard Young People Program in the Western province, embarked on a transformative initiative to help out-of-school teen mothers regain hope and economic resilience by helping them to return to school or start technical and vocational education.
In the program's first phase, 471 young mothers and 101 boys from the districts of Rusizi, Nyamasheke, and Karongi graduated from a six months training in different vocational trades including welding, carpentry, tailoring, hairdressing, and masonry. Among them, Adeline stands as a testament to the program's success. Going back to school not only restored her confidence and courage to return home but also provided her with the knowledge necessary to bring her child up.
On December 13, 2023, Adeline was excited to be part of the program’s first cohort graduation. She had completed her tailoring course and was about to be equipped with a sewing machine and other equipment as part of the startup toolkit handed over to all the graduates to start individual or collective businesses. The toolkits are tailored to every graduating students’ trade and business interest.
Being part of the program served as a guiding force, leading me back home and ending my life of wandering. Despite feeling undervalued after giving birth, I've emerged stronger and have now regained confidence. After this graduation, I hope to start a new and better life for me and my child. I am ready to start working and earning my livelihood like everyone else.” Said Adeline after her graduation.
In her opening remarks for the graduation, Valentine Mukase the Mayor of Karongi commended UNFPA’s ongoing contribution to youth empowerment as she emphasized the need to safeguard young people because they are a great resource to the development of the country.
We sincerely express our gratitude for the invaluable support from UNFPA - Safeguard Young People Programme, enabling the district to engage with over 4551 out-of-school young individuals through diverse programs, encompassing Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), school reintegration, and vocational training. The skills imparted through this program will not only empower these individuals to enhance their personal development but also contribute to the progress of our nation. We firmly believe in the potential of youth as the driving force behind the strength and prosperity of our country." Said Valentine Mukase, the Mayor of Karongi District
The graduation ceremony wasn't just a symbolic achievement; it marked a practical beginning for Adeline and her peers as they received basic tools essential for their chosen professions. Armed with knowledge and tools, they are determined to work and break the cycle of poverty and vulnerabilities as they reclaim their dreams and build a future filled with promise and dignity.
In addition to the technical and vocational training, the program also facilitated 580 out of school children under the age of 15 to re-integrate into formal education.
Returning to school goes beyond academics; it becomes a beacon of hope, helping these children rebuild confidence and acquire knowledge crucial for personal development. Importantly, education equips them with the awareness of sexual and reproductive health and rights, empowering them to make informed decisions about their bodies and their lives..
The SYP programme has been implemented in Rwanda since May 2021, at national level and in the 3 UNFPA’s supported districts - Rusizi, Nyamasheke and Karongi. The programme intends to greatly contribute to improved Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights of adolescents and young people by promoting inclusive access to integrated adolescent and youth friendly SRHR services and information, including menstrual Healthand Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
