Achieving Better SRHR Outcomes for Young People (15-24 years)
The Achieving Better SRHR Outcomes for Young People: Improving Access to Quality and Responsive Psychosocial Support Services for Adolescents and Young People among Refugees and Host Communities in Kiryandongo District of Uganda project, funded by SIDA, addresses the social and mental health challenges faced by adolescent mothers in Uganda. These young mothers often experience depression, anxiety, stigma, trauma, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health services, exacerbated by displacement and poverty. The project, running from 2022 to 2026, aims to enhance psychosocial well-being, increase access to SRHR knowledge and services, provide economic empowerment, and challenge harmful cultural practices. It seeks to improve resilience, reduce stigma, and create sustainable, community-driven solutions to improve the health and livelihoods of adolescent mothers in Kiryandongo District.
OUR PROGRAMMING
The project aims to improve the well-being of adolescent mothers in Kiryandongo District, Uganda, by addressing their mental health, SRHR knowledge, and economic empowerment. The project’s goal is to enhance resilience, reduce stigma, and increase access to quality health services. By creating safe spaces, providing education, and offering livelihood training, it seeks to empower young mothers, challenge harmful cultural practices, and foster sustainable community-driven solutions for better health and livelihoods.
Capacity Building
The project builds capacity by training local community members, including adolescent mothers, peer supporters, and community leaders, to deliver effective interventions. These individuals are equipped with knowledge and skills in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), mental health support, and economic empowerment. Additionally, health service providers and community leaders receive training to better understand and address the unique needs of adolescent mothers. This capacity-building approach ensures that interventions are sustainable, locally driven, and tailored to the specific needs of the beneficiaries in Kiryandongo District.
The Achieving Better SRHR Outcomes for Young People project has made a significant impact on adolescent mothers in Kiryandongo District, both directly and indirectly. Beneficiaries have reported noticeable improvements in their mental health, confidence, and access to SRHR services.
One adolescent mother shared, “I feel more supported now. The workshops have helped me understand my rights and how to protect my health.” Another beneficiary expressed, “I now feel confident in raising my child and managing my well-being.”
Indirectly, community leaders and peer supporters have observed positive changes in attitudes. A community leader noted, “We’ve seen a shift in how adolescent mothers are perceived, with less stigma and more support from the community.” Reports show that the mental well-being of participants has improved, stress levels have decreased, and there is a greater sense of empowerment among the young mothers.
As we implement the Achieving Better SRHR Outcomes for Young People project, REPSSI is learning that a holistic approach is essential for sustainable impact. By combining mental health support, SRHR education, and economic empowerment, we are seeing significant improvements in the well-being of adolescent mothers. We’ve learned that creating safe spaces for open dialogue and fostering peer support networks are crucial in reducing stigma and building resilience. Additionally, involving the community in these efforts ensures that interventions are culturally relevant and sustainable, leading to greater acceptance and long-term positive change among beneficiaries.