Shakirah is a 21-year-old young woman who moved from her village to Kampala after completing her S.4. She came to the city with high hopes of getting a job and improving her life. But things didn’t go as planned. She was promised her a job, but after reaching Kampala, they abandoned her. She was left alone, without any support, and had to find ways to survive in a new and challenging environment.
“The pain I was feeling is something I can’t even explain,” Shakirah says. “I was always stressed, confused, and didn’t know what to do. I had no money, not even to buy sanitary pads. In my area, I saw girls getting money from men, and even though I feared doing the same, sometimes I thought about it because I needed help.” In the community where she lives, many girls face challenges like teenage and unintended pregnancies, mental health issues, and the risk of getting HIV. Shakirah says, “I saw young girls getting pregnant, others being beaten, and many were suffering. I felt like I was losing hope every day.”
But her life began to change when a friend introduced her to Tiko. “My friend told me about Tiko and said they offer free services. She took me to meet a Tiko mobiliser called Stuart. He welcomed me and explained everything about Tiko. He then helped me register and gave me a Tiko card,” she recalls.
Niwagaba Stuart, the Tiko mobiliser who helped her, says, “When I met Shakirah, I saw a young girl who was struggling but also had hope deep inside. I knew Tiko could support her to find a better path. Once I enrolled her, she quickly got involved in the programs.”
Through Tiko, Shakirah began attending group therapy sessions. She also received guidance and counselling and was able to test for HIV. “I’m happy I got tested. I now know my status and can take care of myself. What I like most about Tiko is that it respects my privacy. I use my phone to get a code, go to a clinic or shop, and no one knows which service I’ve taken,” she explains.
She adds, “When I use the Tiko card, I get Tiko Miles. I use them to get sanitary towels and other things I need. Before, I used to worry a lot during my period, but now I just go to the shop and get pads like other girls who have support from their families. Tiko has made me feel like I belong.”
The mental health support she received through Tiko changed her life. “Before, I felt like I was drowning in sadness. But the therapy sessions helped me understand what I was going through. I learned how to manage my stress and avoid falling into depression again. I feel stronger now.”
Shakirah now helps others by sharing her story. “I talk to my friends about Tiko and link them with mobilisers. I want them to also get help like I did. We need more young people in my community to benefit from this program.”
Her dream is to live a healthy and peaceful life. “I want to make smart choices and stay away from unhealthy relationships. I don’t want to go back to the pain I used to feel. With the support I’m getting from Tiko, I know I will continue to grow.”
Stuart proudly adds, “Shakirah is now a different person. She’s confident, informed, and helps others. That’s the power of Tiko. it gives young people a chance to take back control of their lives.”
This story was written by Tiko with consent from Shakirah