In our continued effort to amplify youth voices and uncover overlooked realities, we have officially released Edition 16 of Nyiramubande Magazine, now distributed in both Mahama and Mugombwa Refugee Camps. This edition takes a bold and empathetic deep dive into a complex and urgent issue: Early pregnancies among youth in and around refugee settings.

Titled “Early Pregnancies: Hidden Struggles, Lost Futures?”, the magazine explores the multifaceted challenges faced by both girls and boys impacted by early parenthood touching on themes such as school expulsion, homelessness, social stigma, and the heavy burden of premature caregiving.

Why This Topic Matters in Refugee Camps

In refugee camps like Mahama and Mugombwa, where families often live in overcrowded conditions and access to education, healthcare, and protection services can be limited, the risks and consequences of early pregnancies are even more severe. Displacement disrupts traditional family and community support structures, leaving adolescents more vulnerable to exploitation, sexual violence, and lack of reproductive health education.

“Early pregnancy in refugee camps doesn’t just impact one individual it can derail entire futures,” said KERANDA KETHIA a contributor from Mahama. “Girls often drop out of school, and young boys face pressure to provide without any support or preparation. It’s a cycle of hardship that must be broken.”

In these environments, early pregnancies can lead to:

• Interrupted education, especially for girls who are forced to leave school due to pregnancy or stigma
• Child-headed households, as young parents struggle to care for newborns without adult guidance
• Mental health challenges, fueled by social isolation, blame, or family rejection
• Increased vulnerability, particularly for adolescent girls who lack access to safe spaces and accurate sexual health information

By bringing these stories forward, Nyiramubande Magazine provides a platform not only for reflection but also for community-driven solutions. It challenges readers both inside and outside the camps to consider how policy, education, and dialogue can help prevent early pregnancies and support young parents with dignity.

“This is more than a health issue it’s a matter of education, safety, and dignity,” the article notes. “We need to stop seeing early pregnancy as just a girl’s issue. Boys also face consequences, and communities must come together to support youth before and after such life-changing events.”

We invite schools, NGOs, refugee leaders, parents, and youth themselves to read and engage with this edition because addressing early pregnancy requires collective understanding and action.