Joyce Ampomaah’s story as shared reflects a journey of perseverance, determination, and transformation in the face of adversity. Despite experiencing two pregnancies at a young age, she refused to let these challenges define her future. Joyce’s first pregnancy occurred when she was just 15 years old, while she was still attending Junior High School (JHS). Instead of letting the pregnancy derail her education, she kept going to school showing dedication to learning. However, she faced another setback when she became pregnant for the second time at age 17, shortly after completing her Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). This second pregnancy could have easily led her to give up on her educational aspirations altogether.
However, Joyce’s life took a positive turn when she encountered the support and guidance of the Purim African Youth Development Platform (PAYDP) through the Adolescent Girls Programme funded by UNFPA and Canada programme in 2019. Through the Yole Girls Clubs, she gained information on issues such as gender-based violence, adolescent pregnancy, substance abuse and its effect,s and STI. Joyce found the inspiration and motivation to reclaim her education and pursue her dreams. As a RHESY facilitator, she touched the lives of other young people and shared her life experiences with them in addition to SRH, SGBV, and other forms of information.
Determined to go back to school, she enrolled in Junior High School again with the goal of rewriting her BECE exams in order to qualify for the Free Senior High School (SHS) program. Despite the challenges she faced, including balancing the demands of motherhood and academics, Joyce continued and successfully completed her studies at Abeaseman Community Senior High School. Joyce said “Through the PAYDP programme, I have been able to use myself as an example to the young girls in the community that there is life after teenage pregnancy and you can achieve your goals in life”.
Now, Joyce serves as a RHESY facilitator and advocate, sharing her own experiences and encouraging other girls who have dropped out of school due to adolescent pregnancy to follow in her footsteps and return to education. Her story is an example of resilience and the transformative impact of education and empowerment initiatives in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for young women to fulfill their potential. Through her advocacy work, Joyce is not only changing her own life but also inspiring positive change within her community.