DREF Uganda
SRHR • Life Skills
Northern Uganda
Stella became pregnant at the age of 14 due to financial hardship and a lack of SRHR knowledge and services. She faced rejection and insults from her parents and the wider community, who showed little concern for her and her child’s wellbeing.
“I couldn’t afford to care for my baby or even meet my own basic needs. If I had received SRHR education and practical skills earlier, I wouldn’t have gotten pregnant even after dropping out of school.”
StellaDriven by desperation, Stella engaged in unsafe sexual practices to earn money for essentials like sanitary towels, underwear, and body oil. She lacked both financial support and knowledge about safe sex, which compounded her vulnerability.
Life as a teenage mother was extremely difficult. Stella longed for skills that could help her start a small business and earn an income to support herself and her child. The stigma and verbal abuse from her family and community nearly broke her spirit.
Stella’s life changed when she joined the Champion of Change (COC) program under DREF Uganda with funding from Plan International and received life skills training in bakery. She quickly put her new skills to use, baking items like half cakes, doughnuts, mandazi, and soya bean snacks. She sold these within her village, to COC club members during sessions, and at the treading center.
“The income I earned helped me buy basic needs, pay school fees for my child, and even support my family. I also gained access to SRHR services and knowledge, which empowered me to make informed choices. I now know that any future pregnancy will be by choice not by chance.”
Stella
Photo caption: Stella training a fellow young person on bakery.
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