When Rose discovered she was pregnant as an adolescent, she wasn’t sure what the future would hold for her or her baby. Like many young women facing an unexpected pregnancy, she worried about the challenges ahead. But through the Adara Youth Community Centre (AYCC), she found the care, guidance and support she needed to navigate pregnancy safely and begin building a future for herself and her child.
We believe that supporting young people, especially girls, to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health is essential to ensuring they can access education, economic opportunities and financial independence. The AYCC provides sexual and reproductive health education and services for young people aged 10 to 24. Adolescents can access family planning, counselling, sexual health testing, antenatal care and referrals to other health services.
For Rose, these services provided vital support during a challenging period in her life.
Through the AYCC, she attended antenatal care appointments and received counselling and guidance from the Social Worker and peer educators.
With access to the care she needed, Rose safely delivered a healthy baby.
After giving birth, Rose continued to access counselling as she adjusted to life as a young mother.
At the AYCC, support does not end when a baby is born. Young mothers can continue accessing guidance, psychosocial support and opportunities to connect with others facing similar experiences.
With encouragement from AYCC staff, Rose began looking beyond the immediate challenges of early motherhood and towards the future she wanted to create for her family. Today, she runs a small restaurant business that provides an income for herself and her child.
Recently, Rose returned to the AYCC in a different role, not as a young woman seeking support, but as someone able to encourage and inspire others. During a psychosocial support group meeting for young mothers and vulnerable adolescents, Rose shared her experience with other participants. She spoke about how she started her restaurant business, how it has grown over time, and how it now helps support her family.
She encouraged other young mothers to explore opportunities that could help them work towards financial independence and a more secure future. These support group meetings provide a safe space where young women can share experiences, discuss challenges, learn from one another and build the confidence and resilience needed for the future.
Among those listening was Irene.
Like Rose, Irene first connected with the AYCC during her own pregnancy. Through antenatal care, counselling and support, she was able to access the services she needed and safely deliver her baby.
After giving birth, Irene started a small income-generating project of her own. While it began modestly, it has become an important source of support for her family.
Irene also encouraged other young mothers attending the group not to be discouraged by small beginnings. She shared her experience of building her project over time and spoke about the importance of perseverance, determination and working towards independence.
For both Rose and Irene, the AYCC provided support during a period of uncertainty and helped them begin creating more stable futures for themselves and their children.
Their journeys are different, but both demonstrate the impact of ensuring young people have access to information, healthcare and support when they need it most.
Today, Rose and Irene are not only building brighter futures for their own families, they are also encouraging other young mothers to believe in their potential and take steps towards greater independence.
Their stories are a reminder that when young people are equipped with knowledge, support and opportunity, they can build healthier, more independent and more hopeful futures.
