A Study of Child Mothers in Compassion International Assisted Project in Kabale Cluster Kabale District

Abstract

The investigation aimed at finding out the needs and challenges of young mothers who are in Compassion International assisted project in Kabale Cluster. Compassion International focuses on the neediest children in communities to release them from poverty in a holistic approach. A number of girls, however, get pregnant and get child before they are ready. The study analyzed the challenges and needs of these child Mothers. Data was collected by use of an interview. Key indiamants (elders in local churches, project workers and caregivers/parent) also provided the data. Data was also collected through focus group discussions. The findings of the research indicate that poverty, limited sexual education and sexual abuse among others, are the main causes of teenage pregnancies. The challenges faced by child mothers range from maternal and infant mortality, limited assistance from the father of the child and poor participation in the project. The needs identified among majority of the child mothers are financial, spiritual and lack of moral assistance from their caregivers/parents, project workers, chanch leaders and the community. The church has not formulated any organized intervention plan to mitigate against this problem. From the results, the researcher recommends partnership among the following; Compassion International, the church, policy makers and the community leaders in order to address the issue of child mothers. There is need to formulate and design a curriculum to offer learning opportunities for the young girls and to step up sensation among all stakeholders.