My name is Beatrice Zimba, I am 22 years old, and I come from Chipindani village. I am a beneficiary of the REPSSI project, “Happy Mother, Healthy Baby.” Before REPSSI, when I became pregnant, my friends laughed at me, making it difficult for me to move around comfortably in my community. At one point, I even contemplated suicide as a way to escape my situation. I faced challenges in my community, church, and even with friends, who became distant.

When REPSSI intervened, they introduced lessons that helped me feel better integrated into my community. These lessons are very important for me and my child. I learned how to take care of my baby and how to live harmoniously with my family. Now, I understand that what I went through is a normal part of life. Even when my child cries, I used to get frustrated and tell them to be quiet, but now, thanks to what I’ve learned, I know how to handle such situations more calmly. Before these lessons, we did things that weren’t always good, but REPSSI taught us that it’s normal to have different emotions—sadness, happiness, and everything in between. This has helped me better care for my baby.

When I face difficult situations, I talk to my mother. I feel comfortable sharing my challenges with her, and she gives me valuable advice. During REPSSI sessions, I meet with my friends, and when something bothers me, I share it with them. They offer advice on how to navigate these challenges. The support I receive from my family is significant. They understand that I made a mistake and have encouraged me to return to school. I have since gone back and continue attending REPSSI sessions, with encouragement from both my family and community.

I’ve taken the initiative to share REPSSI lessons with friends who aren’t aware of them. I tell them about the value of these lessons and how they help us care for ourselves and our children. I aspire to become a nurse, and the lessons from REPSSI have strengthened my mental health compared to how I felt in the past. I want my child to learn these lessons too, so he can grow up to be a better person.

In conclusion, I appreciate REPSSI for bringing these important lessons to us. I used to be behind in many areas, but now I’ve achieved much thanks to the knowledge I’ve gained. I hope REPSSI can expand their reach beyond Rufunsa to other areas.