When Florence Ingabire’s daughter became pregnant at 16, she was forced to drop out of school. “At first, she was very scared,” Ingabire recalls. “People judged us, especially the neighbours. I remember she spent two weeks at home without going outside.” Coming from a Christian family, Ingabire encouraged her daughter to accept her situation and turn to faith for strength. “She later joined a church support group where she was treated with kindness and taught tailoring skills,” Ingabire said. “With their support, she returned to school at 18 and is now raising her son.” ALSO READ: Teenage pregnancy: Time to openly discuss alternative solutions Ingabire believes churches and schools—places where teenagers spend a significant amount of time—should take a more proactive role in addressing teenage pregnancy. “It’s very important. Teenagers need to be taught about their bodies and their choices,” she said. According to the Ministry of Health, more than 8,000 girls under 18 received antenatal care between June 2023 and July 2024, accounting for 2 percent of all pregnancies treated at health facilities in Rwanda. These figures build on the 2022 national census, which recorded 39,273 teenage pregnancies. In light of these statistics, Parliament is reviewing a new healthcare services bill that would allow adolescents aged 15 and above to independently seek reproductive health services. ALSO READ: 10 key things to know about Rwanda’s new health services bill While legal reforms may bring change, many believe religious communities must also become more engaged. “Our role is very important,” said Bishop Fidel Masengo of Foursquare Gospel Church in Kimironko. “Many churches have teen sessions designed specifically for boys and girls transitioning from Sunday school into adolescence. We offer teachings based on biblical values and practical life guidance.” ALSO READ: What will it take for Rwanda to rein in the teenage pregnancy menace? He noted that during school holidays, when many teenage pregnancies tend to occur, the church organises youth camps and workshops. “These help teens understand the consequences of early sex and reinforce messages of abstinence,” he said. Beyond prevention, Bishop Masengo said churches also support young mothers. “We counsel girls who become pregnant and show them there is a way forward. We discourage abortion and instead provide emotional and spiritual support.” However, he acknowledged the challenges, especially in families that avoid discussing sexual and reproductive health. “In many homes, these are taboo topics. Churches are often left to address them alone. This silence at the family level makes it difficult to reach teens effectively—particularly during holidays when they spend more time at home.” He urged parents to be more involved, emphasising that churches can only reinforce what is already taught at home. ALSO READ: What will it take for Rwanda to rein in the teenage pregnancy menace? In Kamonyi District, Celestin Ngendahimana, a member of Bethesda Healing Ministries (BHM), shared how his church helps teen mothers rebuild their lives. “We’ve provided sewing machines so they can learn tailoring and start small businesses,” he said. “This helps them become self-reliant and opens up employment opportunities.” But he warned that stigma remains a major obstacle. “Open conversations about early pregnancies are still difficult. Many people hold on to outdated beliefs that discourage such discussions. That needs to change.” Ngendahimana stressed the need for ongoing community education to reduce stigma and ensure teen mothers are met with support rather than judgment.
