UMCAT SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MASS

COMMUNICATION

FIEID ATTACHMENT 1 REAL LIFE PROJECT

REPORT
SUBMITTED BY
NAME: NABUMA MARIAM
REG No: 488118/2022/8/C/A 1484

REAL LIFE REPORT SUBMITTED TO UBTEB IN PARTIAL

FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF AN AWARD OF
CERTIFICATE IN JOURNALISM AND MASS
COMMUNICATION
FROM 1st AUGUST 2022 to 25th MARCH 2024
DECLARATION
I NABUUMA MARIAM declare that that this is an original piece of work to the best of my
knowledge, this real life project report has not been submitted or published for any other
certificate diploma or any Institution for any purpose

Signed …………………………………….

Date…………….………………………...

This report is submitted with the approval of the following school instructors.

Signed ……………………..………….

Mr. Elunya Joseph

Date……………………………………...
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I express my deepest gratitude to the divine for blessing me with life, knowledge, and wisdom,
enabling the successful completion of this real-life project. The journey of this project
commenced in August 2022 during my first year of study at UMCAT School of Journalism and
Mass Communication.

I extend heartfelt appreciation to Mengo Doctor's Clinic for their unwavering financial support,
encouragement, and dedication, which significantly contributed to the accomplishment of this
milestone. Additionally, I am indebted to the UMCAT School board, including the principal,
faculty members, and fellow students, whose collective support—both tangible and intangible—
nurtured my growth and development throughout this endeavour.

A special note of gratitude is extended to Mr. Elunya Joseph for his invaluable guidance and
mentorship, which played a pivotal role in shaping my journey and facilitating the successful
completion of this project.
ABSTRACT
This field attachment report presents an overview of real-life project proposals developed during
my tenure as a student of journalism and mass communication at UMCAT School of Journalism
and Mass Communication in Bukasa, aimed at fulfilling the requirements for obtaining a
Certificate in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Throughout the duration of my study, I had the opportunity to employ various skills acquired
within the journalism and mass communication discipline, particularly at UMCAT School.

These skills encompassed the following methodologies;

 Observation
 Research,
 Interviewing and others.

Utilizing these competencies, I engaged in the analysis of information, focusing on

understanding societal dynamics and identifying prevalent challenges faced by community
members.

The report highlights the application of these skills in identifying and addressing societal issues,
demonstrating a practical manifestation of theoretical knowledge acquired during academic
pursuits. Through this experiential learning process, I aimed to contribute positively to societal
development and foster a deeper understanding of the role of journalism and mass
communication in addressing contemporary challenges.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION.............................................................................................................................2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...............................................................................................................3
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER ONE..............................................................................................................................6
1.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................6
1.1 Background of Early Pregnancies..........................................................................................6
1.2 Terms of Reference................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER TWO.............................................................................................................................7
2.0 Objectives of the Project........................................................................................................7
2.1 Evaluation of the Project........................................................................................................7
CHAPTER THREE.........................................................................................................................9
3.0 Challenges Faced During Real-life Project............................................................................9
4.0 Recommendations....................................................................................................................10
5.0 Conclusion...............................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................12
 CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction

As part of the two-year certificate program in Journalism and Mass Communication (NCJM) at
UMCAT Kampala, students are required to undertake a real-life project, a vital component of
their academic journey. This project spans two years, providing students with invaluable
practical experience in their field of study. The culmination of this endeavour is the submission
of a comprehensive report at the end of four semesters, which forms an integral part of the
Certificate transcript.

1.1 Background of Early Pregnancies

Early pregnancy, defined as conception occurring before the age of 20 or pregnancies in youths
under 18 years old, remains a significant global public health concern. Recent statistics from the
World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that approximately 16 million girls under the age of
15 give birth annually, with the highest rates prevalent in low and middle-income countries. The
implications of early pregnancy extend beyond immediate health risks to young mothers and
their infants, encompassing long-term socio-economic and educational consequences.
Adolescents often encounter heightened risks of pregnancy complications and childbirth, along
with elevated rates of maternal mortality.

1.2 Terms of Reference

Understanding the factors contributing to early pregnancy and implementing effective

interventions are imperative for promoting the health and well-being of adolescents and their
communities. The terms of reference for this report delineate the specific objectives, scope, and
methodology of the research.
 CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Objectives of the Project

The objectives of this project are multifaceted and aim to address various aspects related to early
pregnancies:

Support Services: Provide access to comprehensive healthcare services, including prenatal care
and health clinics, to support pregnant adolescents in managing their maternal health effectively.
Additionally, offer psychosocial support counseling to address the mental health needs of
pregnant adolescents.

Empowerment: Empower adolescents with the necessary skills and resources to delay
pregnancies and pursue their educational goals effectively. This involves providing educational
programs and resources focused on reproductive health and family planning.

Community Engagement: Engage families and communities in raising awareness about the risks
and consequences of early pregnancies. By fostering community dialogue and involvement, the
project seeks to promote a supportive environment for adolescent health and well-being.

2.1 Evaluation of the Project

The evaluation of the project encompasses the following key areas:

1. Prevalence Rates: Conduct an assessment of the current prevalence rates of early

pregnancies within a specific population or geographic area to understand the magnitude
of the issue and its distribution.
2. Factors Contributing to Early Pregnancies: Identify and evaluate the various factors
contributing to early pregnancies, including socio-economic factors, educational level,
access to reproductive health services, cultural norms, and peer influences. This analysis
aims to elucidate the underlying determinants driving the phenomenon of early
pregnancies.
3. Quality of Healthcare Services: Evaluate the availability, accessibility, and quality of
healthcare services related to reproductive health, including prenatal care, family
 planning, and maternal services. Assessing the adequacy of existing healthcare
infrastructure and services is essential for identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
4. Stakeholder Perspectives: Gather feedback and insights from key stakeholders, including
adolescents, parents, healthcare providers, and educators, to understand their perspectives
on early pregnancies. This qualitative assessment will provide valuable insights into the
lived experiences and perceptions surrounding the issue.
5. Policy and Legal Frameworks: Evaluate existing policies and legal frameworks related to
early pregnancies, including laws governing the age of consent and reproductive rights.
This examination aims to identify potential barriers or facilitators to addressing early
pregnancies within the legal and regulatory landscape.
 CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Challenges Faced During Real-life Project

The implementation of the real-life project encountered several challenges, which impacted
various aspects of the project:

1. Data Collection: Obtaining reliable and comprehensive data on early pregnancies proved
to be challenging due to factors such as underreporting, cultural taboos, and privacy
concerns. These barriers hindered the acquisition of accurate information essential for
informing interventions and policy decisions.
2. Stigma and Shame: Adolescents facing early pregnancies often grappled with stigma and
shame, which adversely affected their willingness to participate in research activities or
seek support services. Overcoming these barriers required delicate approaches to foster
trust and encourage engagement among affected individuals.
3. Limited Resources: The project faced constraints in terms of funds, personnel, and
infrastructure, particularly in low-resource settings where the issue of early pregnancies
was more prevalent. These limitations impeded the progress of the project and
necessitated strategic allocation of available resources to maximize impact.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: Addressing the topic of early pregnancies necessitated navigating
cultural sensitivities and societal norms, which varied widely across different
communities. Cultural considerations played a significant role in shaping the approach to
research and intervention strategies, requiring tailored and context-specific approaches.
5. Ethical Considerations: Research involving adolescents and sensitive topics such as early
pregnancies demanded careful adherence to ethical guidelines, including obtaining
informed consent and protecting participants' rights. Ensuring the ethical conduct of
research activities was paramount to safeguarding the well-being and dignity of all
involved.
4.0 Recommendations
To effectively address the issue of early pregnancies, the following recommendations are
proposed:

1. Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Implement comprehensive sexuality education

programs in schools and communities. These programs should aim to empower
adolescents with knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions about
their reproductive health. By providing accurate information and promoting healthy
behaviours, such initiatives can contribute to reducing the incidence of early pregnancies.
5.0 Conclusion
In conclusion, this project has provided valuable insights into the multifaceted issue of early
pregnancies and its implications for individuals, communities, and societies at large. Through a
comprehensive examination of data and research findings, several key conclusions have
emerged:

 Early pregnancies pose significant challenges to the health, well-being, and socio-
economic development of adolescents and their communities.
 Stigma, lack of access to comprehensive healthcare services, and socio-cultural factors
contribute to the perpetuation of early pregnancies.
 Addressing early pregnancies requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing
comprehensive sexuality education, community engagement, and the provision of
supportive services.
 Effective interventions must be contextually relevant, culturally sensitive, and inclusive
of the perspectives and needs of adolescents.

In light of these findings, it is imperative to prioritize efforts aimed at preventing and mitigating
the impact of early pregnancies through targeted interventions, policy initiatives, and
collaborative partnerships between stakeholders at all levels. By addressing the root causes and
underlying determinants of early pregnancies, we can work towards creating a healthier and
more equitable future for adolescents worldwide.
References
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on the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents: patterns, prevention, and potential.
The Lancet, 369(9568), 1220-1231. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60367-5
2. Patton, G. C., Coffey, C., Sawyer, S. M., Viner, R. M., Haller, D. M., Bose, K., ... &
Mathers, C. D. (2009). Global patterns of mortality in young people: a systematic
analysis of population health data. The Lancet, 374(9693), 881-892. doi:10.1016/S0140-
6736(09)60741-8
3. World Health Organization. (2011). Early marriages, adolescent and young pregnancies:
Report by the Secretariat. Retrieved from https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/75978
4. UNICEF. (2018). Adolescent pregnancy: A review of the evidence. Retrieved from
https://www.unicef.org/media/60561/file
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Vogel, J. P. (2014). Pregnancy and childbirth outcomes among adolescent mothers: a
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Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 121(Suppl 1), 40-48. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.12630
7. Kassa, G. M., Arowojolu, A. O., Odukogbe, A. A., & Yalew, A. W. (2019). Prevalence
and determinants of adolescent pregnancy in Africa: A systematic review and meta-
analysis. Reproductive Health, 16(1), 1-15. doi:10.1186/s12978-019-0750-1
8. Zabin, L. S., Kiragu, K., & The Alan Guttmacher Institute. (1998). The health
consequences of adolescent sexual and fertility behavior in Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies
in Family Planning, 29(2), 210-232. doi:10.2307/172154