A Young Mother’s Second Chance to Thrive

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." 
Lamentations 3:21-24.

In Southern and Eastern Africa it is not abnormal to find a girl as young as 10 years old shopping in the market with a newborn on her hip. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 adolescent girls aged 10-19 will become pregnant due to issues of poverty, child marriage, a lack of reproductive education, sexual violence, or peer pressure.

Despite the prevalence of this issue, these young mothers are often stigmatized in their communities, being dismissed by their families and prevented from attending school. Although there are laws allowing young mothers to continue their education, local schools are often reluctant to comply, ascribing shame to the girls themselves rather than responding to the difficult circumstances that resulted in pregnancy in the first place. 

Kaya, is just one of these mothers who assumed her education and dreams of becoming a teacher were over when she became pregnant during the COVID lockdown at age 16. However, RiverCross partners in Kaya's community were able to advocate for her, educating the local school on trauma informed care and equipping them to be a support system that fosters healing for the young mothers in their community. Although she is now two years behind in her schooling, Kaya is pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher, learning to advocate for the education of young mothers, and building a future where she and her child can thrive. 

*Although the stories we share are true, identifying details have been changed.