In the heart of Uganda, a transformative initiative is making significant strides in empowering young women and shaping the next generation of leaders. Established in 2019, Engender Youth Mentorship stands as the nation’s premier girls’ mentorship organization, dedicated to fostering self-worth, leadership, and positive behavioral capabilities among young women.
Mayuge District, one of Uganda’s regions with the highest teenage pregnancy rates, has become a focal point for Engender Youth Mentorship’s latest initiatives. In 2020 alone, the district reported 6,205 teenage pregnancies, contributing to a troubling increase in school dropouts among young girls. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Engender Youth Mentorship recently launched a series of rural sensitization and mentorship activities in this district, specifically targeting the sub-counties of Kityerera and Bugadde.
The organization’s efforts reached multiple educational institutions, including All Saints Bugadde Primary School, St. Patrick Miti Mito Primary School, Alliance High School, Excel Secondary School, and Wante Primary School. These schools face significant challenges, such as high dropout rates, teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and pervasive poverty.
At these schools, pupils and students benefited from comprehensive mentorship sessions designed to address these critical issues. The sessions emphasized the importance of education, career guidance, sexual and menstrual hygiene management, and the value of hard work. One of the key focuses was to instill a sense of purpose and long-term vision among the students, encouraging them to stay in school despite the lure of quick money from nearby fishing landing sites.
For instance, at St. Patrick Miti Mito Primary School, the mentorship activities were particularly geared towards motivating students to prioritize their education. By highlighting the long-term benefits of staying in school, the program aimed to counteract the socioeconomic pressures that often lead young girls to drop out.
One of the most impactful aspects of Engender Youth Mentorship’s recent activities in Mayuge has been their support for teenage mothers. In the areas of Bugadde and Kityerera, the organization has conducted training sessions for young mothers, teaching them how to make reusable sanitary pads. This initiative serves a dual purpose: it provides these young mothers with essential hygiene products and equips them with a valuable income-generating skill.
By learning to produce reusable sanitary pads, these teenage mothers can improve their financial stability, which is crucial for sustaining their families and improving their overall standards of living. This training not only addresses their immediate health needs but also empowers them economically, helping to break the cycle of poverty.
The initiatives by Engender Youth Mentorship in Mayuge District have had a profound impact on the local community. By addressing critical issues such as school dropout, teenage pregnancy, and poverty, the program has strengthened the resolve of young girls to pursue their education and strive for success. The mentorship sessions provide immediate support and equip the girls with the tools they need to navigate future challenges effectively.
Engender Youth Mentorship is dedicated to creating a generation of empowered, confident, and ambitious young women who are prepared to become the world’s next thought leaders. Through its targeted programs and initiatives, Engender Youth Mentorship is making a lasting difference in the lives of girls across Uganda and the globe at large, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to succeed.
As Engender Youth Mentorship continues to expand its reach and adapt its strategies to meet the evolving needs of the girls it serves, it remains at the forefront of empowering young women and fostering a brighter future for all. The organization’s dedication to its mission and its impactful programs are a beacon of hope and progress in the fight for gender equality and education in Uganda.