She has found hope and support at Gawailing Home

Dechen Dolkar 

A 17-year-old mother had to leave school after the midterm exams this year as she was six months pregnant. 

Despite her circumstances, she is determined to continue her education and fulfil her dream of becoming a police officer.

From a remote village, the young mother was a bright student, studying in Class Eight. She came fifth in her class during the midterm exam this year. The eldest of four siblings, she has always aspired to serve the country by enforcing the law.

“I wanted to become a police officer because I believe it is a way to serve the country and uphold the law,” she said.

Last winter, during her vacation, she met her partner in Thimphu after a long time. They stayed together for three days. She said it was the first time she had spent the night with him.

“I was aware of preventive measures, but neither of us had any at the time. It was midnight, and we couldn’t manage to get them,” she recalled.

After returning to school, she missed her monthly period but brushed it off after her friends reassured her it was normal for some girls to miss their cycle. However, two months later, she began experiencing morning sickness, headaches, and vomiting. She even took medicine; unaware she was pregnant.

Concerned, she visited the hospital for a checkup. The health staff recommended a urine test, which confirmed her pregnancy. Initially, she refused to accept the result of pregnancy.

“I told them I didn’t have any relationship and insisted I couldn’t be pregnant,” she said.

She said she never thought she could be pregnant and struggled to accept it.

After further tests, including an ultrasound, the health staff informed her that she was three months pregnant.

“When I heard the news, I was devastated. I worried about my studies and future, not about the baby,” she said.

Her teachers and the school counsellor provided counselling and assured her that she could resume her education after giving birth.

“I felt a bit relieved after hearing their assurances,” she said.

After completing her midterm exams, she was referred to the RENEW Gawaling Happy Home.

“Gawailing Happy Home has been a blessing for me. I feel safe here and see a brighter future,” she said.

The Gawailing Happy Home provided her with emotional and financial support during her pregnancy. RENEW staff even accompanied her to the hospital during her delivery. She gave birth to a healthy baby in the first week of November.

“The delivery was normal, and there were no complications. I am deeply grateful to Gawaling Home and RENEW for their support during this challenging time,” she said.

She plans to return to school and complete her graduation, even though her family is currently ignoring her.

“I am not worried about my age. I will continue my education because I want to become independent and support my son’s future,” she said with determination.

She also expressed gratitude to RENEW for assuring her that both her education and her son’s needs would be supported.

“I feel privilleged to have this opportunity,” she added.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by other teenage mothers, she encourages them to seek help.

“There are teenage mothers who feel their life has ended and don’t know where to go for help. I urge them to seek support from RENEW and other relevant organisations in the country,” she said.

This story is published under an EU-funded project managed by Save the Children Bhutan in partnership with the Bhutan Transparency Initiative and RENEW.  The publication is implemented by RENEW.