Turning Her Story into Strength: Meet Elizabeth
At 17, Elizabeth became a mother while still in school. With limited access to sexual and reproductive health information, she faced challenges that would shape her future.Today, aged 26, Elizabeth is helping other young people make informed decisions about their health and relationships through Play it Forward Zambia’s Play and Prevent project.
Growing Up Without the Right Information
Elizabeth was just 12 when she lost her mother. Life at home became difficult, and she entered a relationship with an older boyfriend in search of comfort and support.
At 17, while studying in Grade 10, she became pregnant. At the time, she believed contraceptives were only for married people and could cause infertility.
Her relationship was also abusive, but Elizabeth did not initially recognise the warning signs. Without access to accurate information and appropriate support, she faced significant challenges as a young mother.
Finding Confidence Through Football
Elizabeth’s journey took a positive turn when she joined Play it Forward Zambia as a Peer Coach through the Play and Prevent project. Using football as a tool for education, the project helps young people learn about sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, safeguarding and healthy relationships.Through her training, Elizabeth gained valuable knowledge and developed the confidence to make informed decisions about her own health and future.
Empowering the Next Generation
Today, Elizabeth uses her experiences to support other young people in her community. As a Peer Coach, she helps create safe spaces for conversations about early pregnancy, abuse and healthy relationships. She is particularly passionate about challenging misconceptions surrounding contraception.
“I wish I had known then what I know now. Being a Peer Coach has given me the confidence to speak openly about these issues and help other young people make informed decisions. I want them to have the knowledge and support that I didn’t have growing up.”
By sharing her story and the knowledge she has gained, Elizabeth hopes to help others avoid some of the challenges she experienced growing up.
Looking Ahead
Elizabeth hopes to continue her education, develop her career and build a better future for herself and her child. Her journey demonstrates how access to accurate information, supportive environments and opportunities can help young people build confidence and take greater control of their futures. Through Play and Prevent, supported by the Mercury Phoenix Trust, Play it Forward is helping young people like Elizabeth become positive role models and agents of change in their communities.
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