The Teenage Mothers program, a program started by Bantwana, has emerged from collaborative efforts under various projects, including the USAID ICYD program, the SAFE Program, and the upcoming inclusion in the REAL Fathers program.

In Uganda, teenage mothers face daunting health and societal challenges, leading to stigma, discrimination, and economic marginalization, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among girls aged 10 to 14. Recognizing this, initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) prioritize adolescent and young mothers, necessitating comprehensive interventions.

Under the work of the Bantwana Initiative Uganda and with funding from USAID, partners engaged in OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) programs in Uganda have launched a targeted project aimed at supporting young mothers aged 13 to 19. Since

its inception in late 2021, the project has embraced a multifaceted approach, integrating educational, psychosocial, and economic support services to grow resilience and mitigate risks among adolescent mothers.

Through actions like Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and vocational skills training, holistic assistance is provided, nurturing empowerment and skill development among teenage mothers, while tangible outcomes include the formation of 27 groups comprising 478 teenage mothers across 14 districts and the establishment of 11 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).