When Edith fell pregnant at 17, she felt hopeless. She worried about her future, her education, and how she would care for her child.
Fortunately, her grandmother brought her to the Adara Youth Community Centre (AYCC), a space dedicated to supporting adolescents through sexual and reproductive health education and services.
The AYCC welcomes young people aged 10 to 24, offering family planning, counselling, life skills training, and connections to health services. Its reach extends beyond its walls, also providing community outreach that works closely with schools, parents, and local leaders to ensure young people have the support they need.
Through the AYCC, Edith received supportive counselling and antenatal care throughout her pregnancy, guided by a social worker and Peer Educators. She attended all eight recommended antenatal care appointments, ensuring both her health and her baby’s wellbeing. As Edith learned more about her health and the opportunities ahead – even as a young mother –her sense of hope gradually returned.
Edith was connected to Adara-supported Kiwoko Hospital, where she gave birth to a healthy baby. Afterward, the AYCC team continued to stand by her side, encouraging her to return to school and reminding her that motherhood didn’t have to mean the end of her education or ambitions. With their ongoing support, Edith began to see new possibilities for her future.
It wasn’t easy – Edith worried about balancing her studies with caring for her child. But with encouragement and support, Edith went back to school and completed her exams.
Edith’s dreams didn’t stop there. After graduating, she set her sights on becoming a nurse. Edith applied to Kiwoko Nursing Training School – and was accepted.
Today, she is flourishing, pursuing a Certificate in Nursing and Midwifery, and is well on her way to achieving her dreams.
Edith’s story shows that when young people are supported to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health, they gain the confidence and resources to pursue education, opportunity and independence, now and in the future.
