New lease of life for teen mothers in Mathare slums
In a bid to offer teenage mothers a chance at a better future, Mathare Children’s Fund Panairobi, a vocational training centre located in the heart of Mathare slums in Nairobi, has introduced a six-month training program in cosmetology and garment making. The program aims to empower these young mothers by equipping them with practical skills that can lead to sustainable livelihoods.
Naomi Waithera, a resident of Mathare, joined the program in January 2022, eager to learn hairdressing as a means to provide for her one-year-old daughter. However, Naomi faced the challenge of finding proper care for her child while attending the training. To her relief, she discovered that the center allowed her to bring her daughter along, ensuring both of them received meals without any financial burden.
Mercy Kamau, the executive director of Mathare Children’s Fund Panairobi, emphasizes the importance of the empowerment program not only in helping teenage mothers reclaim their dreams but also in improving their mental health. Many of the young mothers arrive at the center in a distressed state of mind, requiring counseling and support. Some even harbor negative feelings towards their own children, perceiving them as burdens.
To counter these issues, the center provides nutrition counseling sessions facilitated by Margaret Mukunjura, a nutritionist from Mathare North Level 4 Hospital. The sessions aim to foster self-love and encourage the mothers to care for themselves and their children. Margaret acknowledges the initial detachment these teen mothers experience due to the painful memories associated with their pregnancies. Healing and providing adequate care for both the mothers and their children is a gradual process that requires patience and support.
Remarkably, Margaret asserts that none of the teen mothers at the center has failed to transform their relationship with their children and nurture a loving bond. Witnessing a teenage mother who once ignored her hungry child now happily breastfeeding fills her with joy, as it signifies that the child feels loved and cared for.
Naomi, reflecting on her time at the center, expresses a longing to turn back time and become a full-time resident, cherishing the camaraderie and support she experienced. The center not only provides vocational training but also supplies reusable pads, diapers, and soap, and even offers a crèche with attentive caregivers for the babies, all free of charge.
So far, over 600 teenage mothers have benefitted from the support provided by Mathare Children’s Fund Panairobi. Naomi, like many others, aspires to start her own salon business, utilizing the entrepreneurial skills she gained during her time at the center.
These initiatives not only equip young mothers with practical skills but also restore their confidence and provide them with the tools necessary to overcome the numerous challenges they face. By investing in the potential of these resilient young women, Mathare Children’s Fund Panairobi is contributing to a brighter future for the entire community.
