Family planning at BLC

Periodically, Bududa Learning Center hosts a family planning session for students of Bududa Vocational Academy and the community. A total of 180 students attended the session, filling our main hall. 

It was a great day of learning for everyone! Midwife Jessica Agwena, the family planning educator for Bududa District, was the main speaker. She was engaging with what could be an awkward subject. She continuously confirmed that the group was following her logic. She explained the benefits of family planning, the methods, and, notably, the myths surrounding family planning, an example of which is that birth control pills or implants can cause mothers to have children with oversized heads.

Some BVA students are already overwhelmed with caring for their babies and attending classes. Some come with babies to school, and some are currently pregnant. Two of the girls told us they became pregnant because they thought that if they used contraceptives, they would get cancer or become barren. Jessica, the midwife, showed everyone her upper arm where her contraceptive implant had been inserted, helping them understand that contraceptives are safe for women. She also outlined some reasons a woman may use contraceptives: those who wish to delay having children, those who want to have space between children, or women who decide not to have children. 

It is challenging for many students in Bududa who had children before completing school. They can't afford medical care, food, and school fees for their children and themselves. Life is complicated for most people but worse for students with children. They are required to attend school five days a week, and most of them come from peasant families with many issues and cannot provide basic needs for their children and grandchildren.

We want to thank all our donors for their sponsorship of our organization. This tremendous work of helping young women and men learn about family planning and contraceptives will enable them to complete school and have a manageable number of children. 

At the end of the session, 26 students got contraceptive implants, 8 ladies made an appointment with the midwife, and all 5 boxes of condoms and pills were taken. We still have some implants, but girls are gradually coming into the office to ask us to make appointments with the midwife on their behalf.