Aneth Richard is a 17-year-old girl living in Nyanshana, Nyamagana District. She had her first child at the age of 16, a situation that brought many challenges and limited her ability to achieve the plans she had hoped to pursue after completing school. According to Aneth, the pregnancy forced her to begin learning a new life and prepare for motherhood, a difficult experience since everything was unfamiliar and overwhelming.
After joining the Adolescent Gate Organization, Aneth was given the opportunity to learn about various issues, including parenting, hygiene, and small business skills. She also had the chance to interact with other girls, build new friendships, and share experiences with peers who had gone through similar situations within Nyamagana District.
Aneth Richard has also received leadership training, which has enabled her to guide and support other girls in the group. Together, they developed a session called “My Story,” where girls like Aneth share their personal experiences, support one another, discuss challenges they face, and explore the best options for generating income.
Various sessions organized by the Adolescent Gate Organization staff have helped Aneth transform her life. She is now happy that she can run her own small business and generate income without depending on her parents, unlike before she joined the Adolescent Gate Project.
“Before joining the program facilitated by the Adolescent Gate Organization, I had no hope. I thought my life would end this way, and I was very disappointed in myself. Because of my pregnancy, I even lost the support I used to receive from my parents, which made life extremely difficult. Joining the girls’ group formed by the Adolescent Gate Organization helped me rediscover myself and focus on how I could recover the time I lost during my pregnancy.”
Leading other girls in the group comes with some challenges, but Aneth uses her past experiences to support and guide them. Through sharing her story, many girls have learned valuable lessons that help them remain focused on their dreams. Additionally, the opportunity to attend different seminars has strengthened Aneth’s leadership skills, which she continues to share with fellow group members during sessions.