GETTING A SECOND CHANCE AFTER TEENAGE PREGNANCY

GETTING A SECOND CHANCE AFTER A TEENAGE PREGNANCY

Evisha, at 19 years old has been through a lot. She comes from a family of seven girls and three boys.  As the second last born, she never had a role model.  In her village found in Bukwo district, girls get married as early as 14 years and girl child education is a luxury. Most of her sisters were married off at an early age, so she also looked forward to getting married because she never valued education.

“Growing I was a very stubborn girl, I never listened to my parents and it was just a matter of time before I messed up,” admits Evisha.

Evisha managed to complete Primary school and later joined Secondary school.  From senior one, she joined bad groups and started making bad decisions. She stopped going to church and got herself a boyfriend, who bought for her whatever she wanted. After a short time she became pregnant, and she was disowned by the boyfriend, her friends and her family. Her life became so difficult and she contemplated suicide. 

Benson Chemusto, a male action group member, that is support by ActionAid International Uganda, with funding form UNFPA Uganda, heard about her plight and tracked her down, to her Auntie’s place where she was staying. He counselled her and told her to stay positive.

“Benson came and gave me advice supporting me and telling me I am not alone and that it was possible to go back to school after giving birth and this gave me renewed hope to change my life,” remarks Evisha.

Benson, together with church leaders went and talked to her parents to forgive her and give her a second chance after some time the parents softened their hearts and welcomed Evisha back home.  She gave birth and after some time went back to school and joined Form 3, managed to catch up and passed Form 4 very well.  Currently, she is in Form 5.

She thanks Benson for supporting her at her lowest point because no one wanted to associate with her and convincing her parents that she deserved a second chance, he has been her pillar of support up to now. 

Evisha is now in form 5 doing a combination of History, Literature, Divinity and ICT. Despite the challenge of lack of text books, she is determined to study hard, finish school and become a lawyer. She wants to fight for the rights of the girl child, especially those who face similar challenges like hers. 

“I also want to become an example to other girls as someone who overcame challenge, to work in a big office,” Says, Evisha.

Teenage pregnancies as still rampant in, there is need for more Male Action Groups like Benson so that more girls can be reached with information about the dangers of teenage pregnancies and early marriages.