A European Union-sponsored programme on teenage adolescent mothers’ empowerment in Kisii county has been a nod to proceed to the next pace.
The programme on Return to School, Life skills, and Health related issues was implemented by Daraja United Women and Youth Empowerment Organization(DAUWOYE) through the Aga Khan Foundation.
A stakeholder meeting in Kisii town commended strides made by the programme recommending the challenges identified to be included in the phase for tackling.
It was also resolved a common concept paper be drawn and forwarded to the European Union (EU) for consideration in funding the targeted adolescent’s cohort estimated at 1500.
Representing the area county commissioner, Assistant County Commissioner, Macdonald Karama remarked the administration will support the NGO to reduce teenage and adolescent mothers.
He encouraged similar organizations to participate in grassroots forums where public awareness sessions will be conducted on the issue.
The NGO’s chief executive officer(CEO), Winfridah Abuya singled out the stigma and lack of confidentiality by teachers regarding adolescent mothers in school.
According to the CEO, parents, guardians, and members of the local community were being sensitized to stop labeling the young mothers, ’’immoral’’ since their pregnancies might have been occasioned by sexual violation or extreme poverty.
Teachers some of who were not trained counselors were being urged to respect the confidentiality of the adolescent mothers who confided in them about their predicament.
To mitigate the social stigma, Abuya cited a provision of school uniforms and sanitary towels besides guidance and counseling for young mothers.
Imparting of life skills and the start of income generation through small businesses were also extended to them as one form of empowerment, she added.
BY MUSA MARANGA