Empowering teen mothers in Karongi: The lasting impact of WE-ACTx for Hope

On February 12, 2025, the Karongi District Head Office hosted the closing ceremony of the BMZ Project, a two-and-a-half-year initiative aimed at empowering teenage mothers in the region. In partnership with the German organization Gesundes Africa, the project, led by WE-ACTx for Hope, provided life-changing support to 264 young mothers across eight sectors of Karongi.

The ceremony, which was attended by key stakeholders, including local government officials, security organs, and health professionals, highlighted the incredible impact the project has had on the beneficiaries.

Restoring hope and dignity

When the WE-ACTx for Hope project first began, the young mothers in Karongi faced immense challenges. Many had been abandoned by their families after becoming pregnant, left feeling isolated and hopeless. Some were victims of manipulation and exploitation due to a lack of understanding about reproductive health. The project’s primary goal was to restore hope to these young women, empowering them with knowledge, skills, and the resources needed to build a better future.

Benekigeri Chantal, the director of Clinical Systems for WE-ACTx for Hope, shared that the project had focused on providing comprehensive support to these young mothers.

“We aimed to restore hope to these young mothers because some of them felt abandoned by their families, suffering from depression and isolation. We provided them with various forms of counseling and taught them about reproductive health so they could better understand it,” she explained.

The project also addressed critical aspects of their lives, including nutrition, family dynamics, hygiene, and mental well-being. By teaching the mothers how to provide proper nutrition for their children, the project worked to prevent malnutrition and stunting. The initiative also tackled family conflicts and provided counseling to help these young women regain their sense of self-worth.

Skills for a sustainable future

One of the key components of the project was providing vocational training to the young mothers. Many had dropped out of school or faced barriers to completing their education, but through WE-ACTx for Hope, they were given an opportunity to learn new skills and set up income-generating activities.

Mbabazi Mignone, a beneficiary of the project, shared her transformation. “We were in despair. It was hard for our parents to accept that we had become mothers. We had no hope for the future. But when they came to help us, our hope was restored, and they showed us that we have value. Some of us had dropped out of school, but now we are back in school, and others are learning vocational skills,” Mignone said.

In addition to skills training, the project provided the young mothers with practical tools to improve their livelihoods, such as 28 sewing machines, small livestock (including 153 pigs, 48 goats, and 520 chickens), which enabled them to generate income and sustain themselves and their families. Some of the beneficiaries have even started tailoring businesses, turning their newfound skills into profitable ventures.

Sustainable impact for the future

The closing ceremony underscored the long-lasting impact of the project, with officials expressing their commitment to ensuring that the gains made by the young mothers would not be lost. The Deputy Mayor of Karongi, Umuhoza Pascasie, praised the project for its contribution to the district, highlighting the importance of sustaining the activities even after the official conclusion of the project.

“The 264 young mothers who benefited from this project represent a valuable change in our community,” she said. “This project is not only for the beneficiaries; it also extends its benefits to others. The livestock provided to the mothers will not only help them, but also others. For example, the manure from the livestock can fertilize crops, benefiting the community, and the eggs from the chickens improve nutrition for both mothers and their children.”

Umuhoza also emphasized the importance of mental health support, a key aspect of the ongoing initiatives in Karongi. “When a child gives birth, life doesn’t end there—it continues,” she stated. “While this project may have concluded, the support will continue. We are grateful for the mental health services, which have been a significant concern in our district.”

A new beginning for Karongi’s teenage mothers

As the project draws to a close, the legacy of WE-ACTx for Hope in Karongi will endure. The young mothers, who once felt isolated and hopeless, now have a renewed sense of purpose. They have not only gained practical skills and resources but have also learned how to care for their families and create a better future for themselves.

Through WE-ACTx for Hope, the young mothers of Karongi have been equipped with the tools they need to succeed. The sewing machines, livestock, and knowledge they have gained will continue to empower them for years to come, and their newfound confidence will help them become responsible, self-sufficient members of their community.

With the support of WE-ACTx for Hope, the future of Karongi’s teenage mothers looks brighter than ever. The district has shown that with the right support, even the most vulnerable can rise above their circumstances and achieve lasting success.

Gashonga Jean Claude