Teenage mothers

Around Amanipi, teenage motherhood is common. We have also seen it throughout the wider area around Lanza. In rural communities, it seems to be more the rule than the exception. This phenomenon continues to occupy my thoughts. What causes girls to become mothers at such a young age? And what are the consequences for the girl and her child? We are speaking about teenage girls like Asheni and Naomi in Lanza, and Alesi and Esther in Amanipi—each with her own dreams and vulnerabilities.

Why do girls become mothers so young?
Poverty plays a major role. Many families struggle to make ends meet, which makes girls vulnerable to young men who promise money and prosperity. For many, the temptation to escape poverty through sexual relationships is irresistible.

There is another, deeply rooted cause. From a very young age, girls grow up with the idea that motherhood is the most important purpose of a woman. Having a child brings respect, recognition, and a place in the community. Toddlers of two already walk around with a doll tied to their back, just like their mother with a baby. Five-year-old girls carry their younger brother or sister on their backs. Teenage girls long to become mothers themselves, even though they are not yet physically, emotionally, or spiritually ready. “Arranging” a pregnancy is not difficult. In the area around Amanipi, there are regular night parties with plenty of alcohol. The result is many unprotected sexual encounters, and before long, the pregnancy is a fact.

The consequences
The consequences of an early pregnancy are far-reaching, first and foremost for the teenage girl. Yes, she has what she wanted and can look forward to motherhood. But that fulfillment comes at a high price. To begin with, she must leave school, losing the opportunity to continue her education. Her health is also at risk because her body is not yet fully developed. Some girls experience severe complications, sometimes even with fatal outcomes. In addition, unprotected sex exposes her to sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS.

Her child also bears the consequences. The father of the child—if he is known at all—often does not take responsibility. The child grows up without knowing his or her own father. The teenage mother is left to fend for herself and usually remains living with her parents. Grandparents then carry the burden of several grandchildren, alongside their own children. After the first child, more often follow. The chance of an official marriage becomes increasingly small. She is no longer a teenage mother, but a single mother. These children are more likely than others to suffer from illness, malnutrition, and lack of education. In this way, a vicious cycle of poverty and vulnerability continues. It is heartbreaking to witness. We see it happening all around us, in the lives of Alesi, Esther, Taabo, and many other girls in the neighborhood. It occurs in almost every family, including that of the pastor. They have taken four grandchildren into their household.

What can we do?
Through the 4Pillars tree nursery project, we seek to give these girls hope and a future. They plant their own coffee trees and other crops. Over time, this enables them to become financially independent. Alesi, who planted her own coffee seedlings, is one such example.

In addition, education from the church is vitally important. We believe that every human being is created by God and precious in His sight. Therefore, we are called to protect, guide, and offer hope to girls and young women. Girls may discover that God has a plan for their lives that reaches beyond premature motherhood. The church has an important role in teaching biblical values about love, sexuality, and responsibility—openly and with grace. Our pastor in Amanipi asked me to provide teaching on this topic during the youth service, which I did with joy and conviction. I have been invited again to address this subject at the upcoming church conference.

It is important for young people to understand that marriage is God’s original plan. The value of a woman does not lie solely in having children, but first and foremost in the fact that she is a beloved child of God. Motherhood is precious, but at the right time—in God’s time. Then, together with her husband, she can bear responsibility for the children and offer them a better future.

We are grateful that we may contribute, in our own small way, to hope for teenage mothers and to education on these complex and sensitive issue