Teenage pregnancy increases the vulnerability of adolescent girls and young women, who consequently need assistance to help break the cycle of poverty. Financial constraints are at times faced by teenage mothers, for they in most cases don’t have jobs yet they have responsibilities to care for themselves and their babies.
Imbuto Foundation with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), conducts regular parent-adolescent communication (PAC) forums that bring together First Time Young Mothers and their parents to plan on supporting teenage mothers jointly, prevent gender-based violence and subsequent unintended pregnancies and build sustainable sources of income for them.
These forums contribute to restoring teen mothers’ hope and resilience. The high quality of family communication between young mothers and their parents is a supportive resource that helps to develop autonomy.
This is the case of Nyiranzavugimana Florence, a young mother from Karongi District of Western province in Rwanda, who had her child at 19 Years old, and was rejected by her family, when her parents learned that she was pregnant.
She participated in training sessions provided by the Imbuto foundation that helped her to reconnect with her parents and get the moral support she desperately needed.
“ My take away from the training was that what happened to us should not put an end to our dreams. I reunited with my parents and continued to attend PAC regular meetings with them.” Said Nyiranzavugimana
Nyiranzavugimana reunited with her parents after attending PAC sessions and they continued to attend PAC regular meetings with them. Photo: Alain Mwizerwa @UNFPA/June 2022
It is Wednesday morning, a sunny day in Karongi, Nyiranzavugimana is seated under a yellow umbrella, looking busy, providing mobile money services to a client, and holding her 2 years old son.
She comes to that place everyday, and works hard to provide for her son!
“I’m here looking for money to feed my lovely Boy.I’m glad that with this job I am able to take care of myself, my child and even my parents.”
Smilling, Nyiranzahavugimana a young mother in Karongi district, carries her child on her back, while selling mobile money services. Photo: Alain Mwizerwa @UNFPA/ June 2022
To start up her business, Nyiranzavugimana saved money she received as transportation fee from a training she attended. “ I had the opportunity to participate in a 4 day training by Imbuto Foundation where we were given transport facilitation. I saved the money instead. Afterward my parents supported me with some additional money and I immediately started a small business selling bananas and avocados.”
Few months later, her business grew, Nyiranzavugimana’s dreams had gone beyond selling bananas and avocados, she decided to expand her business.
“ After saving more money, I decided to expand my small business. I consulted opportunities around Karongi town, and I shifted to providing mobile money services which I found to be the most profitable.”
Nyiranzavugimana is now an agent of a telecommunication company where she provides mobile money services in Bwishyura town of Karongi district.
“ I no longer have to rely on my parents or any other person. My Child gets what he needs and on time. I’m confident that I will not fall into men’s temptation ever again because I have been informed about sexual and reproductive health. I now know my rights , I can choose what to do and when to do it ” She confirms
Nyiranzavugimana is now an agent of a telecommunication company where she provides mobile money services in Bwishyura town of Karongi District. Photo: Alain Mwizerwa @UNFPA/ June 2022
Teen mothers and parents both benefit from Parent-Adolescent Communication (PAC). Young mothers are empowered to make informed choices. They regain confidence and dignity, and their hopes are renewed.
