Interview and Testimony of a Young Abandoned Mother Who Received Financial and Material Assistance from the Stay Awake Association in Douala, Specifically at the Cité des Palmiers District Hospital
Interview with Miss Temgoua Tiwa Brenda (abandoned young mother)
1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background before joining the Stay Awake Association?
My name is Temgoua Tiwa Brenda. I am a young girl who was abandoned by my father while I was eight months pregnant. I live in Douala and was facing difficulties in getting my medical examinations and follow-up care. I had no way out until I met Stay Awake. I was frustrated and left to fend for myself since I had no other support apart from the father who left me alone and with nothing. By the grace of God, I met the Stay Awake Association through the head of the social action department at the Cité des Palmiers District Hospital, who was working in collaboration with the Secretary General of the Stay Awake Association. I received material and financial assistance as well as psychological support, which has allowed me to be strong today, to have hope, and to fight for the well-being of my child.
2. What were the circumstances that led you to become a mother at such a young age?
As a committed Christian, it wasn’t my choice, but rather the circumstances of life that imposed this on me. It’s important to note that I am the eldest in my family and have younger brothers who struggle to get enough food. My father is elderly and no longer has strength; he lives in the village. I allowed myself to be with a man to be able to provide for my brothers and myself because life is very difficult. I looked for a job in my area, but to no avail.
3. How did you feel about the support from the Stay Awake Association during your pregnancy?
It was a great relief for me, a glimmer of hope. This is an association that truly works for the well-being of underprivileged people like me. Thanks to the Stay Awake Association and the donations it receives from beneficiaries, I was able to get my prenatal examinations done properly, and today, I take this opportunity to thank them from the bottom of my heart.
4. What were your biggest fears when you learned that you were pregnant?
My biggest fear was not being able to take care of my child due to lack of resources. I felt vulnerable because I wanted to give my child the best so that they could grow up in good conditions like all other children.
5. How did you react to the idea of being a young mother in your situation?
Depression was prevalent. I was scared and suffered greatly knowing that I had no resources and that I wouldn’t be able to take care of my child.
6. What types of medical and emotional support did you receive from the association?
I had all my examinations done, all expenses covered by the Stay Awake Association. They check on me every day to see if I am not experiencing emotional depression. They reassure me by saying that everything will be fine for me and my child. I am eternally grateful to them and pray that the Lord blesses them.
7. For you, what is the beauty in being a mother, despite the challenges it represents?
We have been chosen by God, the Creator, to be beings (women) who give life. It is an immense joy to be a mother. I thank the Stay Awake Association for being by my side and continuing to support me to this day.
8. Have you faced judgments or prejudices as a young mother? How has this affected you?
Yes, some individuals judge us because we became pregnant, but they forget that this affects us psychologically.
Sometimes, we feel ashamed to show ourselves for fear of being judged; even when we seek employment, this becomes a hindrance for us. However, the Stay Awake Association, through its team, has enabled us to overcome this by making us aware that being a mother is a blessing.
9. What advice would you give to young women in a similar situation?
I would tell them that it is important to never lose hope. Seek support from organizations like Stay Awake that can help you navigate these difficult times. Do not hesitate to speak about your struggles; there are always people willing to lend a hand.
10. Do you think that the choice to engage in unprotected sexual relations should be considered in the context of the education and support that young girls need?
Sexual education is crucial in guiding and mentoring young girls, as it can prevent unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases that could affect their studies, among other things.
11. What lessons have you learned from this experience so far?
It is important for young women to be guided and educated. Vulnerability and poverty push us to make poor choices. A young girl is exposed to many dangers if she is left to her own devices.
12. How has your life changed since becoming a mother?
I am very happy to be a mother today, as I now think for two. I take this opportunity to ask for help from kind-hearted individuals so that I can provide a worthy education for my child.
13. What are your aspirations for the future, both for yourself and for your child?
Today, I think differently because I wish to learn a new trade (sewing) with the aim of entering the professional world and also training other girls who are living or have lived the same situation as me, so that I can provide for my child and give them the best education possible.
14. How has the Stay Awake Association contributed to these aspirations?
I received a support program from the Stay Awake Association that included sections preparing us for life after childbirth. The program was titled « The Socio-Professional Integration of Young Cameroonian Girls. »
15. What would you say to other young girls who find themselves in a situation similar to yours?
I urge them to reach out to the Stay Awake Association. I ask them not to consider abortion, as it is forbidden by God and by Cameroonian law. The Stay Awake Association is there for abandoned young mothers.
16. What additional resources or support would you like to see available for young mothers like yourself?
I would like to see a shelter for single young mothers with professional integration programs accompanied by adequate medical services for monitoring beneficiaries.
17. Is there a particular moment during your follow-up with Stay Awake that stood out to you and that you would like to share?
There are many moments, but the most touching was my first contact with the Stay Awake Association. I felt a glimmer of hope, I cried tears of joy, and I thanked the Lord.
18. How do you think the public can better understand and support young mothers in difficult situations?
I call on kind-hearted individuals to support organizations that work in social aid, particularly the Stay Awake Association, through financial and material donations that could save lives and impact the world tomorrow.
19. Do you have a specific message you would like to convey to the public today?
The responsibility of society is of utmost importance, as it is imperative for us, as a Cameroonian society, to recognize our role in protecting our young girls. They deserve a safe and nurturing environment in which to grow and thrive.
20. Finally, how can you encourage those who are listening to take action and support young mothers?
Early pregnancies among young girls, whether they are in school or not, is an alarming phenomenon that must not be ignored, as it has devastating consequences on the lives of our adolescents and on the future of our country. We can no longer remain silent in the face of this reality; together, let us act so that every young girl has the opportunity to build her future without being hindered by early pregnancies.
👉 Join us in our mission to offer hope and dignity to our young girls. Together, let us remain awake and united!
#StayAwake #Solidarity #YoungMotherGirls #Support #Vulnerability #ActTogether
Thank you for your support! 💖
Email: associationstayawake@gmail.com
Phone: +237 698 787 144 / +237 695 349 302
