Introduction
Precious , a 15-year-old girl from Lubanyi village in Bugiri District, was living a life filled with uncertainty and distress before she found a path to empowerment. Raised in a household that struggled with financial instability and the mental illness of her mother, Precious faced daily challenges. Yet, with the support of a local child rights club, she transformed her life, becoming a leader and advocate for girls in her community. This is her journey from despair to hope, and from uncertainty to becoming an agent of change.
Before the Intervention
Precious’s life before the intervention was defined by hardship and loss. She grew up in Bugiri Town with her mother, father, and siblings. However, her life took a turn when, in 2020, her mother began to suffer from mental illness, which severely impacted her ability to care for the family. Her father, a semi-commercial maize farmer, struggled to provide for the family, while Precious’s mother withdrew from her responsibilities. Precious had to take on many duties, including commuting from their temporary home in Lubanyi to Lubanyi Baptist Primary School, where she attended school.
The household was a far cry from stability. The family lived in a temporary house, with a basic kitchen and latrine, located far from town, and their garden was the primary source of food. Despite these hardships, Precious was determined to attend school. But as she put it, “As a child, I had lost hope after the incident of my mother getting a mental illness. My life was distressing, and I had lost interest in school…”
In March 2021, Lubanyi Baptist Primary School was selected by the Community Development Officer (CDO) to participate in a child rights project. It was here that Precious’s journey toward change began. A child rights club was formed to empower students to participate in community and school activities, and Precious eagerly joined. Not only did she become a member, but she also took on a leadership role as a mobilizer for the club.
Through the child rights club, Precious received training on critical issues such as child rights, gender-based violence, COVID-19, self-care, decision-making, and the importance of seeking help. Mentorship sessions and child-led accountability activities, including research and advocacy, played a significant role in her growth. During one advocacy session in June 2022, Precious made a powerful statement to the local government: “I call upon my fellow girls to resist engaging in early sex because there is nothing good in school dropout and being a young mother, our friends and sisters are suffering…”
This moment marked a turning point for Precious. Her engagement in the child rights club didn’t just help her develop personally, it also inspired her to start a girls’ self-help club at school. Through this club, she mentored other girls on life skills, sanitary health, and the importance of education. Precious attended the annual SELF (Self, Expression, Leadership, Freedom) academy with Femme Forte in 2022, further fueling her passion for empowering other girls.
Precious’s life has been radically transformed since the intervention. She no longer feels the distress and hopelessness she once experienced. She has gained confidence and clarity, becoming a source of inspiration for those around her. She continues to be supported through psychosocial support, coaching, and mentorship from the club patron. These engagements have improved her school attendance and focus, and Precious now has a renewed sense of hope for her future.
She now starts her day at 6:00 AM, fetching water, cleaning the compound, preparing breakfast, and attending school until evening. Although her family still struggles with a lack of electricity, which limits her ability to read at night, Precious remains committed to her education and leadership roles.
Her involvement in the child rights club and self-help group has made a significant impact on her community. She has taken on the responsibility of mentoring other girls, and through this role, she has developed a vision for a better future for herself and her peers. “As a member of the child rights club, I have learned how to manage my life, and this has made me gain love for mentoring other girls to live a self-fulfilling life…” she says proudly.
Precious believes that her work is only just beginning. “I am proud of the person I have become, and my dreams are now clearer. I want to see children, especially girls, enjoying their lives and able to speak up for themselves,” she shares with conviction.
Precious has big dreams for the future. She wants to become a nurse and continue to empower girls wherever she goes. “I would like to see children, especially girls, enjoying their life and able to speak up for themselves…” she says. Precious’s hope for her community is palpable, as she plans to continue her advocacy in secondary school, using the platform to inspire other girls to stand up for their rights and make a positive impact on the world.
Her story is a testament to the power of community support and the transformative impact of empowering children . Through the intervention, Precious has not only changed her own life but is now playing a crucial role in changing the lives of others in her community. Her journey is far from over, and the future holds great promise for this young leader.
Precious’s story is one of resilience, courage, and hope. From a life marred by distress to one of purpose and empowerment, Precious has become a beacon of change in her community. Through the intervention, she has rediscovered her love for learning, her passion for leadership, and her desire to make a difference. The journey of Precious is an inspiring reminder of how empowering children can spark positive change, not just in their own lives, but in the communities they serve.