YVETTE MAPENDO
12 years old Learner at YAREN
At just 12 years old, I faced unexpected challenges. Sent to Uganda by my father, I found myself pregnant after being deceived by a man from America. Abandoned by my family, I endured hardship alone. Struggling as a young mother, I sought refuge in Nakivale camp, only to face further hardships with my child. After finding temporary solace, another relationship brought more pain. Left pregnant and alone once again, I sought refuge with a kind neighbor. Determined to rebuild my life, I pursued education opportunities wherever I could find them. Discovering the YAREN Organisation was a turning point. They provided support, faith, and valuable life lessons. Through their guidance, I learned forgiveness, gained self-confidence, and found hope in pursuing a career in tailoring. Today, I stand with gratitude for YAREN’s empowerment and the chance to shape my future with renewed strength and purpose.
Stella Zawadi Mulebelwa
21-year-old – YAREN staff
Previously working in diverse roles, it was at YAREN that I discovered my true potential. Through extensive training and support, YAREN has provided me stability and countless opportunities, enabling me to pursue my passion for helping girls and troubled individuals in Nakivale. YAREN’s impact on teen mothers and children is remarkable. Beyond education, the organization addresses immediate needs by providing essential items and empowering individuals for healthier and more fulfilling lives. Together, we strive for a brighter future in Nakivale, where education, mental well-being, and empowerment are accessible to all.
Esther Kalamba
A learner at YAREN
Esther Kalamba, a teen from Nakivale, faced hardship in Kampala with her four siblings due to their sister-in-law’s mistreatment. Deprived of food and essentials, they resumed dancing at neighborhood parties for survival. Unexpectedly, a man fell in love with Esther’s sister, providing relief. Life remained tough as they resorted to stealing for survival. Necessities became luxuries, using fish grid oil as a substitute for lotion. Esther’s mother eventually intervened, bringing them back to Nakivale. Discovering the YAREN Organization later, Esther found opportunities for learning and mental health support, breaking free from suffering. Reflecting on her past, she emphasizes her transformation through forgiveness and mental health, leaving behind resentment. Esther is now grateful for the freedom to pursue her desires without fear, choosing a healing path and leaving painful memories behind.
NYAMITERA
13-year-old – YAREN staff
Said, I got pregnant when I was 13 years old, I was in primary 2.
We live in Nakivale base camp with my grandmother and my siblings live at Mbarara, others are boarding at Mbarara, our parents are not with us, they live out in the country.One day I was at school when one of our neighbors called me and he raped me. I tried to tell my siblings but they did not take it as seriously. I tried to contact my parents. My siblings did not allow me, because they thought I was lying, then my stomach started bloating slowly. After that my grandmother knew about it, she wanted to kill me and my pregnant, my parents knew about it too they arrested the rapper, my grandmother insisted on a miscarriage my mother refused, on that day my grandmother decided to make me suffer day by day, she did not allow me to eat, insulting me every day, sleeping hungry some days during all my pregnancy period. I was so stressed wherever I went, I was a subject of insult and mockery, I saw my colleagues going to school, but after all that my mum came counseling me, helping me and myself I was been informed there was an organization that gives teen mothers the opportunity to be educated, I came to YAREN ORGANIZATION, they helped me give me faith to believe in myself and opportunity to learn to tailor.
