“Knowledge Restored My Dreams”: Idah’s Story

In January 2025, 19-year-old Idah from Mumbi Village in Petauke District, Zambia, joined the Grassroot Soccer SKILLZ Girl program, a decision that became a turning point in her life.

Before enrolling in SKILLZ, Idah had little information about sexual and reproductive health and did not know where she could go to access HIV testing or family planning services. This lack of information contributed to an unplanned pregnancy, which she sadly lost. During this difficult and sensitive time, she also found it difficult to talk to others, including her own mother, as she lacked both confidence and the right information and vocabulary to express what she wished to.

Through the SKILLZ sessions, Idah learned more about the different family planning options available to her, as well as how HIV is transmitted and how it can be prevented. She came to understand how using contraception could help her stay in school and continue working toward her goals without the fear of another unplanned pregnancy. The human rights sessions were especially meaningful, helping her realize that it is her right to go to school and to access health services at the clinic.

One session that stood out for Idah was on goal setting, which encouraged her to reflect on her future, identify a tangible goal of furthering her education and becoming a nurse, and gain the confidence to work toward that goal.

“The lessons motivated me to go back to school by rewriting subjects I didn’t do well in,” she said. “I am now attending classes and preparing to continue to Grade 10 at a boarding school. My goal is to become a nurse.”

Alongside returning to school, Idah also took steps to protect her health. She started using family planning and now relies on the Sayana Press three-month injectable, together with condoms, to prevent both unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). With growing confidence, she has shared what she learned with her friends, helping them understand that contraceptives are freely available and that taking care of their health is important.

One of the biggest changes in Idah’s life after joining Grassroot Soccer has also been a newfound ability to talk openly with her family about sensitive topics. After she shared what she learned through SKILLZ, her parents supported her decision to access health services.

“I can now talk openly with my mother about contraceptive use, which was very hard before,” she said.

Looking ahead, in addition to pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse, Idah hopes to support other young people in her community who may be facing similar challenges by becoming a SKILLZ Coach herself.

“After SKILLZ, I would like to be a Coach so I can teach my friends and help them live healthier lives,” she said.

Idah’s story shows how having the right information, support, and encouragement can help young people rebuild their confidence, make informed choices, and move forward with hope.