In communities where poverty, stigma and poor sanitation continue to affect vulnerable young people, youth-led organisations are increasingly stepping in with practical solutions. One such organisation is Nguvu Nation, a Ugandan community initiative working to empower vulnerable young girls, support teenage mothers and promote grassroots environmental sustainability. Many teenage mothers, particularly those living in marginalized communities and informal settlements, face challenges ranging from social stigma and financial hardship to limited access to hygiene facilities and essential support. Through mentorship and counselling programmes, material donations, Nguvu Nation seeks to support young mothers.

Founded in 2023, the organisation conducted community drives and campaigns starting in May 2024, called Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Month where they visited Nakabale, Lodoket village in Kotido, a community marred by victims of gun violence. Women were taught the importance of menstrual health hygiene management, reproductive health risks like urinary tract infections, infertility and birth complications.

Nguvu later expanded its sanitation and hygiene advocacy to Katwe Kinyoro in downtown Kampala, after she discovered the considerable number of homeless Karimojong street children who shelter there.

Through its Clean Futures: Plastic for Purpose campaign launched this August at a small shack in Katwe Kinyoro, Nguvu Nation is working towards the promotion of public health and sanitation through initiatives to collect and recycle plastic waste and turn it into useful infrastructure.

‘The initiative also supplies sanitary pads, delivery kits to young girls and women in communities including Katwe and Karamoja to give them access to proper sanitation during menstruation or birth.’ says Rachel Akidi, the organisation’s founder and CEO

If you would like to support or get involved, reach out on +256786461445.