In Rwanda, the issue of teenage pregnancies is a recurring topic in public discourse. This problem carries numerous consequences, not only for the adolescent girls involved but also for their families, the Church, and society as a whole.

Various studies on the subject have revealed that one of the root causes of unintended pregnancies is the limited access to reliable information and knowledge about reproductive health. This is compounded by irresponsibility and the lack of involvement of boys and men in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies, as well as a general absence of early education promoting positive masculinity.

In light of these alarming findings, the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR), through its Department of Health and the ESMPA Project (Education of Youth on Responsible Sexuality and Promotion of Positive Masculinity), supported by the German Protestant development organisation (Bread for the World – Protestant Development Service), has committed itself to contributing to the fight against teenage pregnancies. The project aims to educate young people on reproductive health, responsible sexuality, and the promotion of positive masculinity in parishes where the rate of teenage pregnancies is particularly high.

This initiative is being implemented in 20 EPR parishes and 10 affiliated schools. It aims to equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent early pregnancies. The project targets youth aged 14 to 24 years, including young single mothers.

The project also indirectly targets school teachers, school administrators, healthcare workers, religious leaders, and peer educators working with out-of-school youth.

Data collected from 10 partner parishes indicate that out of 1,100 young girls surveyed, 220 had already given birth, a rate of 20%.

Within this framework, peer educators (including pastors and youth leaders), supported by project staff, organised a large-scale awareness campaign in Nyarubuye parish (EPR – Remera Presbytery) focusing on reproductive health, responsible sexuality, and the promotion of positive masculinity. Additionally, a six-month vocational training programme in sewing, knitting, and hairdressing was provided to young single mothers.

On 11 May 2025, a graduation ceremony was held for these mothers, during which they were awarded certificates and starter kits to support their journey towards economic self-reliance.

In his speech, Mr Jean Claude Hakizimana, Field Activities Supervisor for the project within the EPR Health Department, emphasised that this ceremony served as a reminder of everyone’s responsibility in preventing teenage pregnancies. He explained that the project targets youth aged 14 to 24, who take part in 12 educational sessions aimed at promoting behaviour change. Supporting young mothers in acquiring professional skills, he stated, is intended to challenge societal perceptions and demonstrate that adolescent mothers are capable of contributing positively to the local economy and should be socially integrated.

Mr Hakizimana identified several major causes of teenage pregnancy, including:

·        A lack of accurate and unbiased information on reproductive health;

·        Household poverty;

·        Gender-based violence.

He highlighted the project's promotion of open discussions among young people in a climate of trust, noting that cultural taboos often prevent parents from discussing essential topics with their children. The project provides a structured 12-session awareness programme delivered over six months.

He further underlined the importance of financial autonomy, stating that poverty drives some girls to accept advances that lead to irresponsible sexual activity and, consequently, unwanted pregnancies. To counter this, the project supports youth savings and credit groups, along with vocational training for young mothers raising children on their own, empowering them to generate income and enhance their livelihoods.

Mr Hakizimana also denounced gender-based violence as a worsening factor, reinforcing the need to involve boys in training sessions to foster a respectful, non-violent, and positive masculinity. He identified ongoing family conflict as another significant contributor, explaining that children in unstable homes often feel neglected. He also highlighted the potentially harmful influence of social media, which frequently exposes young people to inappropriate and misleading content.

Nyarubuye Parish, one of the ten project partners, was the ninth location where certificates were awarded. Of the 18 young women who attended the training, 16 successfully completed it. The remaining two are expected to receive their certificates later. Mr Hakizimana expressed gratitude to the participants for their commitment and encouraged them to remain active and responsible members of society.

During the interview with parents, many expressed their appreciation for the project. The parents of the young single mothers acknowledged that early pregnancies often stem from ignorance, poverty, or a lack of responsibility. Some reported that their daughters, now trained in sewing, had started producing clothes for the family or selling their products. They stressed the importance of parental involvement in educating children about reproductive health through closeness and open dialogue.

Therefore, the young beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt gratitude, affirming that they had gained essential knowledge about reproductive health. The vocational training also helped them meet personal needs and boosted their self-confidence. They pledged to use their newly acquired skills to build a better future and avoid repeating past mistakes.

Pastor Gad BIREGEYA, head of the EPR Nyarubuye Parish, highlighted that the project had helped young single mothers emerge from isolation and reintegrate into the Church. It has strengthened collaboration between the Church and the Government in tackling teenage pregnancy. He reaffirmed that lack of education, ignorance, and poverty are among the main causes, but that the EPR project effectively addresses these issues through education and empowerment. Looking ahead, he announced ongoing awareness campaigns and a large spiritual gathering scheduled for July 2025, focusing on healing and restoration.

At the close of the ceremony, the trained youth received equipment to help them launch their professional careers.