Récit de changement
Jeannine: From Extreme Precariousness to Harvesting Dignity
June 5, 202616 years old... that is far too young to have a child. It is far too young, and it is also highly stigmatized. Teenage mothers who face this reality instantly become marginalized by society, even by their own families. Yet, most of them never wanted this situation...
My name is Jeannine Umuhoza, and their story is also my own. When my family rejected me upon the birth of my child, I was overcome by a sense of distress and abandonment that consumed me from within. How was I going to survive? And with a newborn baby on top of that! In Rwanda, resources are scarce for women like me. Many have to drop out of school to care for the child forced upon them, and some even experience severe psychological distress. I, too, was standing at the edge of a threatening abyss. Without money, without resources, without support, I felt resentful toward this child whose arrival was shattering my entire existence. And yet, it was my child... a part of me couldn't help but love him, a part of me wanted to give him what he needed.
Never lose hope
This harrowing period began to brighten the day I connected with the organizations SaferRwanda and CECI. Volunteers explained that I could benefit from a holistic support system—including training in environmental practices, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, as well as psychosocial and parenting guidance—by taking part in the project Women for Clean and Green Circular Business Model. This opportunity revived my hope, and I threw myself into it with all the determination I could muster. I attended every training session, got involved in group activities, and even grew as a leader! For me, this was my chance to pull myself out, and I had to seize it without hesitation. I learned to generate an income through composting and mushroom cultivation, which has improved both my self-confidence and my faith in the future.
Even though my journey has been filled with obstacles, I am proud to say that today, I am independent, respected in my community, and able to provide for my child. My family even ended up recognizing my courage, and we are speaking again—even though I am perfectly capable of managing on my own now. I even bought a plot of land recently, where I fully intend to build our home, for my child and me. 'Before, I felt alone and hopeless. Today, I can take care of my child, run my own business, and plan my future with confidence. Thanks to the support I received, I have not only changed my life, but I am also contributing to my community and inspiring other young mothers.