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Training of Adolescent Mothers in Babessi

IDF was asked by GTZ to help them identify and train adolescents mothers in Babessi for their “aunties” programme.  In addition, IDF assisted with the election of a Aunties’ Executives in Bafut, Batibo, and Njinikom.

Project Context

A baseline study conducted in 2000 by the GTZ-supported health programme in Cameroon revealed that teenage pregnancies and risky sexual behaviour were widespread and needed an appropriate public health response. It became obvious that adolescents and especially girls did not have any experienced adults to ask for information or advice. The traditional role of the aunt – to provide moral and sexual education – was no longer being practised. Thus, the idea was developed to recruit teenage mothers and to train them as “little aunties,” able and willing to inform and counsel their peers in the neighbourhood and in the schools. 

IDF Coordinator with adolescent mothers

The programme trains young adolescent mothers to become “aunties” who offer support and advice to other teenage mothers. They also give talks to young people about their experiences in an effort to prevent teenage pregnancies. The project uses a self-help and a peer approach and aims to bridge the gap between parents and teenage girls by reconstructing the character of the traditional aunt to guide and mentor youth.

Activities

  • IDF worked with the aunties associations in Bafut, Batibo and Njinikom to help them organize and carry out elections for their executive positions.
  • Field visits to Babessi and scheduled meetings in various villages permitted the girls to be identified and to register for the training.
  • Capacity building of single mothers in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS occurred on the 21st and 22nd of April 2005 in the Fon’s palace hall and the topics covered were: early pregnancies, hygiene and nutrition for mother and child, STIs, HIV/AIDS, behaviour change, communication, association or group creation, electoral code of Aunties Associations, plan of action and a final evaluation.

Results and Impacts

  • IDF assisted 3 Aunties Associations through the electoral process and was successful in electing an executive committee for each association.
  • 124 adolescent mothers were identified in the Babessi area.
  • 92 adolescent mothers were trained.
  • An executive for the Babessi Aunties Association was elected.

Difficulties Faced

  • The eligibility criteria was well defined but many girls tried to get exceptions.
  • Local authorities demanded bribes in return for assisting mobilise the people of their quarters.
  • Not every girl identified knew her age.
  • Large groups are difficult to train especially with limited time.

Lessons Learned

  • The electoral process is still relatively unfamiliar to the aunties associations, but the aunties are keen to understand it.
  • Bringing awareness on health issues through communities to girls makes them more alert and responsible in participation.
  • It is important to engage community leaders to give credibility to the program.
  • Market days in villages must be taken into consideration as they can affect turn-out.

Way Forward/Recommendations

  • Inform local authorities and get their support when carrying out community projects.
  • Future information collected about adolescent mothers should include whether they have birth certificates.
  • The plan of action is especially useful to guide newly created groups.