Following the successful completion of recruitment for the 2026 cohorts, all 2YoungLives sites convened their monthly meetings, bringing together existing mentees, many of whom are now lactating mothers, and newly-enrolled pregnant young women.
The gatherings provided a welcoming and supportive environment for experience-sharing, peer learning, and relationship-building.
Our new mentees were warmly received into the 2YoungLives community, where they had the opportunity to connect with fellow young mothers, learning from their journeys, and to establish meaningful friendships.
Through open conversations, encouragement and shared experiences the various participants strengthened in their sense of belonging and mutual support, and the meetings also served as an important platform for introducing the new mentees to the opportunities available through the program.
A total of 107 newly-recruited mentees who have remained in their communities are now receiving small-business start-up support, an initiative designed to provide practical entrepreneurship experience while helping young pregnant girls generate income during pregnancy and into early motherhood.
The start-up funds are already making a meaningful difference in the lives of participants, and many mentees are using their earnings to improve household nutrition, purchasing foods that support healthy pregnancies, while others are able to cover transportation costs for essential Antenatal Care (ANC) appointments and other health-related needs.
These developments highlight the transformative impact of combining mentorship, peer support and economic empowerment, equipping young women with practical skills, social support networks and opportunities for income generation – 2YoungLives continues to create pathways for healthier pregnancies, improved well-being and brighter futures for young mothers and their children.
