Teenage Mothers Program
The Teen 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 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 Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) 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 initiatives such as Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and vocational skills training, holistic assistance is provided, nurturing empowerment and skill development among teenage mothers.
To date, Bantwana’s SAFE database has collected data from a cumulative total of 2,108 caregivers, who have saved and shared approximately USD 59,500 (UGX 217,344,150). The Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) fund has also made significant contributions, with USD 6,089 (UGX 22,215,400) directly benefiting 674 children. Beyond financial aid, these efforts have contributed to a 36% decrease in the lack of scholastic materials, significantly reducing factors that may increase a child’s vulnerability to abuse. Through these initiatives, the community is equipped with the financial stability and collective responsibility necessary to safeguard children from sexual abuse, reinforcing protective measures within households and ensuring long-term child welfare. Notable 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).