Leonard Chakufyali, a REPSSI focal point for the Happy Mother, Healthy Baby project, has witnessed significant transformations in communities like Rufunsa and Chimusanya. Before the project, these communities struggled with mental health issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, and fear, particularly among young mothers grappling with caregiving responsibilities. Leonard shared that the young mothers are now more open about their challenges, which has positively impacted their well-being and that of their children.

Killian Kalenda, a dedicated mentor with REPSSI’s Happy Mother, Healthy Baby project, has become a pivotal figure in transforming the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of adolescent young mothers and their children. His journey with the project has not only enriched his professional life but also brought significant positive changes to his personal life and community.

My name is Gloria Nkwenka Sheleni, and I run a scrap metal business. I am also a member of the Self Help Group. Before I joined the Self Help Group, finding money was a significant challenge. Life was tough, but after I started participating in the savings program, things began to improve.

My name is Mbozi Chipo, I am 24 years old from Mpondwa village, and I am a beneficiary of the REPSSI intervention project, “Happy Mother, Healthy Baby.” Before joining this project, I faced many stressful situations. My troubles began when I got pregnant just as I was about to start college. Asking my parents for continued support became difficult because they were upset, which added to my stress.

My name is Zawadi Masika, I’m 23 years old, living in Shiyala. I am a caregiver in the REPSSI intervention program.
Before joining the program, I struggled with stress about finding washing paste and food for my child. When I met REPSSI, they taught me how to care for my child and manage my stress without overthinking, which could lead to harmful thoughts.

My name is Agness Mumba, I am 24 years old, and I live in Fixon village. I am a beneficiary of the REPSSI intervention project.
Before joining the Self Help Group (SHG), I faced financial challenges and often struggled to find peace within myself. However, when we started the SHG, we began saving money, taking out loans, and using the funds to buy household necessities and invest in businesses.

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.

My name is Memory Nyendwa, and I come from Chiwala village. I study at Rufunsa Combined School and am 19 years old. I am a beneficiary of the REPSSI intervention program, “Happy Mother, Healthy Baby” project.

My name is Carol Kapandula, and I come from Mutanti village. I am a community-based volunteer in the REPSSI intervention program. The program has been very beneficial, teaching us what we need to do, and I’ve been given the responsibility to educate adolescent young mothers in my village.

My name is Henry Radio Kalela, and I come from Mulangu village in Nangoma zone, Mumbwa district. I joined REPSSI as a community-based volunteer, and I teach adolescent young mothers as part of the ‘Happy Mother, Healthy Baby Project.’

My name is Christine Chuka, and I come from Chimbwemauma village. I joined the REPSSI intervention program because I faced many challenges that caused me a lot of stress. I often wondered how I would support my child.
I learned about the REPSSI intervention program through Eneles Ngoma, a community-based volunteer, who recommended it as a beneficial program. That’s how I got enrolled. Once I joined, I began learning how to save money and access loans. The loan I received from the savings group helped me buy fuel for the generator to water my garden.

“My name is Princess Shimapande, and I come from Shambana village in Mumbwa District. Before the REPSSI programs, I often worried about how to make money and, most importantly, how to care for my child.
Through the REPSSI intervention programs, I’ve learned that as a caregiver, I should be industrious. Previously, I wasn’t doing anything productive, but I started a small garden and joined the Self Help Group programs. As a result, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in my stress levels.