Okahandja, Nov.18 — Ujee, 31, a worker at Tjiri Lodge, says her life took an unexpected turn after becoming a mother as a teenager, highlighting the challenges young girls face when balancing education and early relationships.
Born in Kunene, Ujee’s parents encouraged her to follow traditional education rather than attend school. She resisted and enrolled at Musaso Primary School, later continuing at Okanguati Combined School, where she performed well academically.
However, Ujee’s teenage years brought challenges, she fell in love with a teacher and became pregnant while sitting for her Grade 10 exams, which led to her failing the final year. “Everything changed,” she recalls. “My dream of becoming a medical doctor disappeared, and life responsibilities came too soon.”
Today, Ujee works as a cleaner at Tjiri Lodge. She shares her story as a cautionary tale for young girls, urging them to prioritize education over early relationships. “Focus on your studies. School relationships can leave you with burdens you’re not ready for. Responsible partners will wait until after graduation,” she advises.
Ujee’s experience reflects the broader social challenge of teenage pregnancy and its impact on education and career prospects. While her life did not follow the path she had hoped, she hopes her story will serve as a lesson for others and inspire them to make informed choices about their futures.
