Empowering Young (Teenage) Mothers in the Viseisei Medical Zone

The NCD team and the community health workers (CHWs) attended a UNDP - SCEFI capacity building workshop where they identified teenage pregnancy as one of the major issues in their community. A successful proposal was put forward for a small grant on behalf of the community, through VSHC.

The CHWs’ (trained under the NCD project) initiative succeeded in getting the funding for the project. They identified the young (teen) mothers in their respective communities and also helped with administering the initial “Needs Assessment” questionnaire. This shows their responsibility towards their communities and understanding of the significance of wellness. The project was undertaken over a six month period, ending in July 2015. 33 young mothers were identified from Viseisei and Lauwaki, and 20 completed the needs assessment. Following this, 3 phases of workshops took place, with 16 of these women attending different phases. 8 young mothers were able to complete the full program.  

Most of the Young Women reported that they have limited opportunities, and during the needs assessment expressed their desire to pursue their original goals in life of potential employment and other income generating opportunities. The project has been successful in empowering the Young Women and providing them with a voice and an opportunity to express their needs. They have been provided with information and linked to other stakeholders who can assist them to achieve their goals.

The project has also been successful in bringing these young women together to form a support network. The young women have now formed a group and will shortly be registered with the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation. They are looking to start some small income generating projects, and have started to grow fruits and vegetables in their backyards.

A training was also organised and funded by Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) and carried out by Australian Pacific Technical College (APTC). This training was held to build capacity and enhance skills to create future employment opportunities for the young mothers. Since this training, 3 Young Mothers have been employed.

The NCD team has received wide feedback about this project. The overall impact has not yet been evaluated, however the individual workshops evaluated well. When asked, “Do you feel more confident in achieving your goals in life?” all of the participants agreed. With some of them elaborating further –  

“Yes, now I can achieve my goal in life because now I know how much I am worth and doors have opened for me and I have courage now to go ahead and believe in myself no matter what comes my way”.

“Yes, it really boosted my self- esteem”

“Yes, it has shown me many ways to achieve my goals.”

VSHC collaborated with several stakeholders during this project, including the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation. They attended two of the workshops providing a presentation about their services and how these young women can engage with them. Mrs. Makereta Taoi, the assistant Women’s Interest Officer, was the guest speaker and gave the closing remarks at the final workshop. Meeting with her afterwards, she provided her thoughts about this project and the partnership between VSHC and the Ministry of Women.  

“…I admire this new teen mothers program, I think it is a unique one. We are supportive. Since it is one of its kind (programs) in Fiji, I really thank VSHC and their staff for such a unique project which they have, targeting teen mothers.”

Mrs. Taoi recommended the team continue this Young Mothers project and would like to see continued partnership between their office and VSHC. If possible she would like to see such projects being carried out beyond Viseisei to all of Lautoka district and they would be happy to assist in the implementation.

VSHC and the CHWs will continue to provide in kind, ongoing support to this group as they require, and will pursue further opportunities for partnerships and funding for future projects.

Participants with VSHC staff, CHWs, and Mrs. Makereta Taoi.

Certificate Presentation with (from left) Assistant District Officer - Mesaki Rokotabuivalu, Tui Vuda - Aparama Kitione Tavaiqia, Divisional Education Officer (West) Master Albert Wise, UNDP Officer Rusi