Photo © RET International

Article by RET Global Communications

Cibitoke and Kirundo, BURUNDI – Returning to school is only the beginning for adolescent mothers in Burundi. Once back in the classroom, they face a daily balancing act—studying while caring for a child, managing household expectations, rebuilding confidence, and navigating environments where judgment still lingers. Their determination is strong, but the weight they carry is real.

In the communes of Cibitoke and Kirundo, RET International is helping lighten that load through life skills (CV21) training under the NYIZERE NIGE project. The sessions are designed specifically for adolescent mothers who have resumed their education, offering them practical tools and emotional support to manage both school and motherhood.

These young women often juggle responsibilities that would overwhelm many adults. The training acknowledges this reality. Through interactive activities, they learn how to organize their time, communicate more effectively, manage conflict, and strengthen their sense of self. Topics such as personal identity, goal setting, health, hygiene, and responsible parenting help them reconnect with their ambitions and understand their own potential. What sets this training apart is the atmosphere created in the room. Instead of lectures, facilitators encourage open conversations, group work, and honest reflection. Participants share their stories—moments of doubt, small victories, and the dreams they still hold onto. This exchange builds solidarity. It reminds them that they are not alone, and that their experiences matter.

Photo © RET International

For some, the impact is immediate and tangible.

Clarisse, 24, left the training with a renewed sense of direction. “I had already started saving, but after the sessions, I decided to invest,” she explained. “I bought three rabbits to start a small business so I can support my needs and stay in school.” Her decision reflects a shift from surviving day to day to planning for the future.

For Joselyne, 23, the change was more internal. After a session on self‑awareness, she shared, “If I had learned this earlier, I would have made different choices. Now I understand myself better, and I feel more capable of protecting my future.” Her words capture the heart of the programme: giving young mothers the confidence to reclaim their path.

Beyond individual stories, the training is helping these girls regain control over their lives. They are not only continuing their education—they are learning to make decisions, set goals, and move forward with purpose.

Through initiatives like NYIZERE NIGE, RET International is ensuring that adolescent mothers receive not only a second chance at school, but the skills, support, and belief in themselves needed to build a future they choose—both inside and beyond the classroom.

The project “Mobilisation for the Reintegration of Adolescent Mothers into Post‑Fundamental Education: Identification, Support, and Catch‑Up – NYIZERE NIGE” is funded by ENABEL and implemented by RET in Burundi.

---