Child Protection Uganda Project #18515

Delay Marriage Promote Schooling for Ugandan Girls

by Joy for Children-Uganda

Project Report | Nov 13, 2023
Stakeholder perspective on child marriage and teenage pregnancies in Kiruhura District

By Atim Racheal | Fundraiser

In our ongoing efforts to understand and address the issues of child marriage and teenage pregnancies in Kiruhura District, we sought the invaluable perspectives of various stakeholders within the community. This report provides a summary of what these key figures had to say about these deeply ingrained challenges and the potential solutions.

Stakeholder Perspectives:

Community Leaders

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kiruhura District, expressed concern about the persistence of child marriages in the district.He acknowledge that deeply rooted cultural norms and traditions often pressure families into marrying off their young daughters. He further emphasized the need for community-driven change and the importance of education in challenging these practices. One of the elders also emphazied that drug abuse is the biggest driver of teenage pregnancies in their society, girls are raped and defiled while either on their way from or to school which exposes them to high risks of teenange pregnancies and other underlying disease.

Parents and guardians

Parents and guardians shared their perspectives on the economic hardships they face. Some mentioned that economic challenges lead them to consider marrying off their children as a way to reduce the financial burden. However, there is also a growing realization that education can provide a pathway out of poverty and a more promising future for their children.

Healthcare Workers

A cold chain technician who works with the ministry of Health in Kiruhura district cited the statistic of teenage pregnancies of girls 15-21 years from 2020-2023. He also highlighted a recent case of a 12year girl who was sent to the hospital for contraceptives by the father only to find out it was the father of the little girl that was defiling her, “its sad that in our society today we have increased cases of incest and yet parents are supposed to protect their children” he said . He expressed concern about the risks that teenage pregnancies pose to the health of young girls and identified the need for improved access to reproductive health services, as well as comprehensive sex education to empower adolescents to make informed decisions.

Educators

Teachers and school administrators of Sedec Secondary school and Bishops Girls school in Rushere emphasized the critical role of education in reducing child marriage and teenage pregnancies. They believe that keeping children in school and providing mentorship opportunities is key to breaking the cycle. Several teachers also mentioned success stories of girls who excelled academically and have become role models for their peers.

Religious Leaders

Pastor Hampton stated that poverty, domestic violence , child neglect and traditional beliefs where girls are traded for cows are the main drivers of child marriage, he acknowledged the influence they hold within the community as religious leaders and their potential to advocate for change. While he cited religious teachings that oppose early marriages and teenage pregnancies , others admitted that more efforts are needed to challenge traditional practices.

NGO Representatives

The Executive Director of Kiruhura Women in Development highlighted child marriage is a pandemic in the society and there should be holistic approaches. She stressed the need for combined efforts in education, reproductive health services, economic empowerment, and community engagement to bring about lasting change.

The perspectives of these stakeholders in Kiruhura District shed light on the complex web of factors contributing to child marriage and teenage pregnancies. While traditional norms and economic hardships remain significant drivers, there is a growing awareness of the importance of education, reproductive health, and community engagement in addressing these issues.

We encourage donors to delve into this report, as their support is crucial in translating these insights into impactful programs and interventions that effectively combat child marriage.

Thank you for your unwavering interest and support in our mission.

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Nov 8, 2023
Empowering futures: Preventing child marriage through education

By Atim Racheal | Fundraiser

Dear Donors,

We are thrilled to share with you the impact of our School Outreach program aimed at addressing child marriage and teenage pregnancies in Uganda. Your support has been instrumental in enabling us to create positive change in the lives of young girls in the communities we serve.

In Uganda, child marriage and teenage pregnancies are persistent issues that rob children of their childhood, education, and potential. Our School Outreach program seeks to educate and empower children and their communities to prevent these harmful practices.

Over the year, our School Outreach program has reached many schools and students in both urban and rural communities.

Our team conducted numerous educational workshops in schools, addressing topics related to child marriage, teenage pregnancies, reproductive health, and gender equality.

Preliminary data shows a significant increase in awareness and knowledge among students, and a decrease in the incidence of child marriages and teenage pregnancies in the communities we've reached.

While we've made substantial progress, we encountered challenges along the way. Some of these challenges include limited resources for program expansion and the need for sustained community engagement.

We are actively seeking additional funding and partnerships to extend the program's reach to more schools and communities.

We are enhancing our community engagement efforts to ensure a continuous dialogue on these crucial issues.

Our mission to empower children and their communities by providing education and awareness remains unwavering. We believe that through knowledge and empowerment, we can break the cycle of child marriage and teenage pregnancies.

We extend our deepest gratitude to each of our donors who have made this program possible. Your generosity has had a profound impact on the lives of children, ensuring they are informed and protected from harmful practices.

We look forward to your continued support as we work to expand our School Outreach program, reach more schools, and further educate communities on the importance of protecting the rights and well-being of children.

Thank you for being a vital part of this transformative journey.

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Nov 8, 2023
Addressing the root causes of child marriage and teenage pregnancies in Western Uganda

By Atim Racheal | Fundraiser

Child marriage and teenage pregnancies have long been deeply entrenched in the fabric of Kiruhura District in Western Uganda, posing immense challenges to the well-being and futures of its children. Joy for Children Uganda

(JFCU), in partnership with Kiruhura Women In Development (K-WIDE), embarked on a collaborative effort to not only understand the root causes of these issues but also to actively work toward ending them. This report outlines our findings and the multifaceted approach we are taking to create lasting change.

Our research through discussions with different stakeholders and survivors of childmarriage highlighted that traditional practices and cultural norms play a significant role in perpetuating child marriage. Many families still adhere to customs that encourage early marriage, often with deep-rooted gender disparities.

Poverty and limited economic opportunities in the region exacerbate the problem. Families sometimes resort to marrying off their children due to financial constraints, seeing it as a survival strategy. “My parents organised a marriage for me in holidays with out my knowledge just because they were being offered 4 million Ugandan shillings” Says Jane (not real name) a survior of child marriage at Sedes Secondary school in Kiruhura District.

A lack of access to quality education has kept children, particularly girls, in a cycle of limited opportunities. As a result, they become more vulnerable to early marriages and pregnancies.

Insufficient knowledge and access to reproductive health services are key contributing factors. Adolescents are often unprepared for the responsibilities and risks associated with sexual activities.

Our joint initiative actively engages with the community, involving parents, elders, and local leaders. We are encouraging open dialogues to challenge harmful cultural practices and beliefs. This has already brought about shifts in attitudes and acceptance of change.

We are expanding educational opportunities, particularly for girls, and promoting the value of education as a means to break the cycle of child marriage and teenage pregnancies. Scholarships, mentorship programs, and awareness campaigns are all part of this approach.

Through workshops and awareness campaigns, we are equipping young people with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. This has led to an increase in the use of contraceptives among adolescents.

Economic empowerment programs are being introduced to help families break free from the cycle of poverty, reducing the perceived need to marry off their children for financial support.

While there is still work to be done, the stories of transformed lives and the joy seen in the eyes of children who now have hope and opportunity inspire us to persist in our mission. We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors for their continued support in this critical endeavor.

Together, we are working to ensure that the children can grow up free from the burdens of child marriage and teenage pregnancies, with the potential for a brighter and more promising future.

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