Empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Mothers

Nyirahakuzimana Clarisse

Clarisse is 19 years old and the second of four children. She gave birth to a baby at the age of 17. Her educational journey was limited to Primary 5 due to family conflicts. In an effort to support herself and acquire new skills, Clarisse began working as a houseworker with the goal of learning hair-making skills.

However, her life took a difficult turn when a boy she was involved with promised to marry her but instead impregnated her and refused to take responsibility for the child. He cut off all contact with her after the pregnancy. Clarisse's family abandoned her, leaving her to care for her child alone.

Despite learning hair-making skills, Clarisse lacks the resources to put them into practice, as she does not have the necessary materials. This situation highlights the challenges faced by young mothers in similar circumstances, including lack of family support, limited access to education, and economic hardship.