“Teenage Pregnancy, Our Concern”: How EPR (Eglise Presbytérienne au Rwanda) is Shaping a Better Future for Rwanda’s Youth

The EPR (Eglise Presbytérienne au Rwanda) is taking strong action to stop teenage pregnancies. Instead of only treating the problem, the Church decided to address the causes. Through ESMPA project (Education des jeunes à une Sexualité responsable et Promotion d’une Masculinité Positive), EPR teaches young people about sexual and reproductive health, encourages boys to grow with respect and responsibility, supports savings groups, and helps young mothers learn skills for their future.

The project ran in two phases (2019–2022 and 2022–2025), a third phase is expected to start in september 2025 through August 2028, as the 2 phases yielded a good impact, it reached more than 12000 people in 10 secondary schools and 20 parishes. It also supported 331 young mothers with training and materials to start small businesses.

From August 25–27, 2025, EPR held out a meeting to close the second phase of ESMPA project under the theme “Teenage Pregnancy, My Concern.” Leaders, teachers, and youth met to pray, hear Bible messages, listen to experts, and share project results. Partners like Urukundo Initiative also introduced the Urukundo Game to help young people learn about reproductive health in a fun way.

Speakers said the project has improved communication between parents and youth, reduced teenage pregnancies, and increased knowledge about sexual responsibility. Church leaders reminded youth about abstinence, Christian values, and the importance of parental support.

Rev. Julie Kandema, Vice President of EPR, thanked all partners and the donor Brot für die Welt (Pain pour le Monde), and announced plans for a third phase in new areas. Certificates of recognition were given to project facilitators on schools level and peer educators on community level..

This project has helped to prevent teenage pregnancies and given many young people, especially young mothers, a chance for a better future.