TMC is a non- profit organization based on Kampala along Masaka highway.Wakiso District. Teenage Mother's Centre focuses on reducing the number of teenage girls who become pregnant We shelter teenage pregnant girls especially those rejected or facing social stigma as a result of pregnancy. Here we offer them total care - feeding, closing consulting, empowerment and training and make referrals for the medical needs until 2 months after they have delivered. Secondary, we at TMC stand to promote the rights of teenage young girls who have fallen victims of sexual encounters. We visit the children and youths in schools and those out of school and have open dialogues on issues concerning sexuality and development. Here our intention is to target those who have not messed up yet with unhealthy sexual encounters in a bid to reduce chances of teenage pregnancy. We involve the teachers, parents and community people in this struggle by letting them know that rejecting a pregnant teen does not solve the challenge rather collective effort to provide adolescents with information of how to safe guard themselves as well as supporting those who have fallen prey of unhealthy sexual encounters.

1. TEENAGE PARENTING :
UNDERSTANDING THE REALITIES

2. OVERVIEW AND FACTS:
• Still a challenge to Uganda
• About 56% of the population of Uganda is
below 18 and,
• Girls form more than 60% of this population.
• Half of our girls give birth before 18
• Uganda has highest school drop-out rate in
East Africa (UNESCO Report, 2010)
• Many drop out due to pregnancy!!!
• Rate of teenage pregnancy in the country now
stands at 30%, with new cases every day.

3. SOME OF THE CAUSES?
• Broken relationships / families or death of parents –
when parents separate, children take charge = child
headed homes.
• Parent children relationships in families -
authoritative parents deny freedom to think and act
on ones own.
• Sexual exploitation – defilement, rape
• Weak law enforcement and support
• Adolescents being unruly and peer influence

4. PARENTING CHALLENGES
• Summarily, it is essential that parents are
emotionally, financially and physically
prepared to handle the responsibilities of child
rearing! –
a) Teaching the child values
b)· Providing for the child
c)· Explaining to the child your situation – in
relation to why he/she is where one is

5. NEEDED SUPPORT
• Parental involvement – Open up

6. • Create a positive communication channel –
Why authoritative even up to this stage?
• Do away with the stigma attached to teenage
parenthood – better support
• Support and take care of victims of teenage
parenthood – train them – livelihood skills
•

7. • Create awareness

8. • Re enforce legal parameters
• State should fully support youth friendly
services and bring them nearer to the
consumers
• CONSTANTLY remind adolescents about the
dangers of teenage parenting

9. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING