How SRH Education and Services Transform youths in Morogoro, Stamily’s Story
My name is Stamili from Morogoro Municipal, and I am a beneficiary of the Strengthen Youth Voice (SYV) project. I am 20 years old now, when I was 18 years; I got pregnant, which I didn’t plan. I was so scared, and when I told my boyfriend, he chased me away and also refused to be responsible for my pregnancy.
Days went on, and my mother discovered I was pregnant due to the changes I was passing through. My father and mother sat me down and wanted to know the situation and who was responsible for it. I had no choice but to reveal the truth. My parents were very disappointed, especially my father, and he said, “You have to go to the man who impregnated you.” After a long plea from myself and my mother, my father forgave me and insisted that that issue never occur again.
I attended a monthly pregnancy clinic until I gave birth. Unfortunately, when my child was 4 months old, I had another pregnancy that was worse for me. I tried to tell my parents, but no one understood my situation; they thought I planned to get pregnant. My father sent me away from home and told me to take responsibility for my pregnancy. It was my second big mistake in my life, and I wish to return to those days, but it is impossible.
My journey as a mother of two children started there. I never enjoyed my youth hood and held on to my motherhood responsibilities until I was 18 years old. As usual, I attended a monthly pregnancy clinic until I gave birth. My aunty helped me, took me to my parents, and asked for forgiveness. It wasn’t easy for them to accept, but finally they understood and allowed me to go back home and continue my normal life. Then I started to get family planning service at a private health facility and pharmacies, but it was expensive.
One day, when I was around my home, I met a peer educator named Haroun conducting sexually productive health sessions with other youths in my street. I took steps and asked him about accessing contraceptive methods and he gave me a referral form to attend the UMATI clinic. I visited the clinic and met with health care providers who elaborated on various family planning methods and allowed me to choose Implanon when I declared it was the best. I also appreciate the services provided to me without being charged.
“Honestly speaking, I have accessed friendly SRH service, and I have learned a lot about contraceptive methods without any cost. Thanks to the peer educator for the knowledge he has passed on to me, which has helped me to also inform my friend about right to access SRH services, and I have even also escorted my friend for family plan services.