The musical trio Blu3, in partnership with Stanbic Bank, Next Media, Reach A Hand and Talent Africa Group have today made a significant contribution towards the well-being of teenage mothers in the slums of Kansanga-Kitalanga zone.
The donation of maternal healthcare assortments worth shs6 million comes just a day before the group's much-anticipated reunion concert powered.
Dubbed the Legends of Sound Concert, is due to take place at the Sheraton Kampala Gardens.
A member of group, Cinderella Sanyu popularly known as Cindy, implored young mothers not to give up on their dreams despite their challenging circumstances.
“Today we are not here to celebrate teenage motherhood, but here to support and encourage you not to get into the same acts that led to some of these conditions. As women, before we begin blaming anyone else for our conditions today, we also need to know that we have a role to play so that we don’t repeat the same mistakes we have made,” she said.
According to Diana Ondoga, the Stanbic Bank Head of Corporate Social Investment, the initiative aims to provide essential support to vulnerable teenage mothers in different underprivileged communities.
Residents were able to get access to much-needed maternal health supplies that included Mama Kits, reusable sanitary pads and a fully equipped mobile clinic that attended to both women and children at no charge.
Ondoga said with the Stanbic Bank’s focus on promoting the health and well-being of both the mothers and their unborn children, the gesture underscores the importance of community solidarity and assistance during times of need.
“We are thrilled to be able to make this donation to the teenage mothers in the Kansanga, because this aligns with our purpose as Stanbic B and that is ‘Uganda is our home, we drive her growth’.
According to UNICEF, in Uganda 25% of teenagers become pregnant before they turn 19, which is one of the highest rates in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Many of these pregnancies occur among girls who should be in school but often face obstacles in
re-enrolling.
Many teenage mothers do not have access to adequate reproductive health care and die while trying to give life.
Blu3 hailed the locals for their love and support, citing this as one of the reasons they are what they have become today.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Cindy said, "As artists, we recognize the power of music to bring people together, but we also understand the importance of using our platform to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. We are grateful to Stanbic Bank for their partnership in this meaningful endeavour.’