My name is Linda, I am a 20 years old a young mother and I live at Lunga Lunga, Mukuru slum. I am the second born in a family of 4 children; we live with both our parents who are very supportive. My parents provide for the family with casual jobs, and it has not been easy for them for the last one year because the cost of basic commodities have doubled and some even in tripled.
I got pregnant when I was 17 years old and gave birth at 18 years old. My daughter will soon be turning 2 years. When my baby turned six months, I was sponsored by MSDP to join Mukuru Skills Training Centre for a 6-months plumbing course. When I joined, I was also invited by the social worker to join their Teen Mothers program that assist young mothers like me with life skills education, mental health and reproductive health education, peer education and economic empowerment programs. We were empowered with knowledge on how to be financially productive in order to support the basic needs of our young families. I learnt about the importance of savings. In a business bootcamp, I was trained on income generating activities like making coated peanuts and sesame balls, soap and fabric softener making.
I completed my plumbing vocational training in June 2022; at the moment I do casual jobs and as I take care of my baby. Once my baby is able to join school, I will be free to look for a job.
I am happy because the teen mothers’ sessions have helped to build my self-esteem and be open minded.
