FORTY young mothers, who were trained in the areas of make-up, hair braiding, mehendi, nail art, pedicure, manicure and facials, graduated on Thursday from the Ministry of Education’s Health and Family Life Education Programme.

The programme is part of an initiative to reintegrate adolescent mothers into the school system. The graduates received certificates and start-up packages.
The graduation was held under the theme, “Young Mothers on the MOVE. I Am Not What Happened to Me, I am What I Choose to Become,” at the Awareness Consciousness Togetherness (FACT) Building in Corriverton.

Addressing the proud graduands, Education Minister, Nicolette Henry, said by recognising the plight of teenage mothers in getting an education, the government implemented the re-integration programme to help tackle the issue and the graduating class was testament that the programme has been successful thus far.

“We cannot talk about sustainable development without addressing the needs of young people who make up a significant percentage of Guyana’s population. Teenage pregnancy is one of the major challenges standing in the way of girls’ education and their ability to achieve their full potential, especially when the necessary support systems are not in place. It is for this reason that we have to continue on the path we have started,” he minister said.

She wished the class all success as they develop their own capacities to reach their full potential, support their families and contribute to the further development of the country.
The minister also highlighted the importance of supporting the development of a policy that would ensure every child’s right to an education is realised, and to provide adolescent mothers with an opportunity to complete their secondary education.

“We would be derelict in our duties as administrators of education, if we do not ensure that girls who become pregnant are given an opportunity to continue their schooling. The reintegration of adolescence mothers into the formal school system is necessary in order for all you young girls to enjoy your right to an education, which will provide you with the foundation to improve your lives and the lives of your children,” Dr Henry told the graduands.

She continued that the programmer, which was implemented two years ago, is structured not only to manage the re-integration of adolescent mothers into the formal school system, but also to advance the prevention of adolescent pregnancy.

This, she highlighted, is in keeping with the Ministry of Education and the Government of Guyana’s policy in providing equal opportunities for all Guyanese, especially the youths.
“That is why your government is committed to helping Guyanese in this journey of lifelong learning. We are investing more in our schools and at all levels of education. More upgrading opportunities will continue to be available for all young people,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of FACT, Annette Jaundoo, in her address, said in addition to the skills training programme, the 40 young women were also trained in the area of time management, decision-making, job readiness, sexual reproductive health, domestic violence, basic HIV and VCT education. She told the women to aim high and continue to empower themselves.

Jaundoo also noted that most of the women have already begun to set up their own small businesses. The programme ran for 15 weeks. One of recipients, Terresha Phillps, was moved to tears as she testified how the programme has transformed her life.