TEEN MOMS EMPOWERED TO LEARN, GROW & THRIVE

By Sibongile Mofokeng.

• Young mothers-to-be in Sebokeng have been offered psychosocial support and other tools to cope with pregnancy while continuing with their education.
• The engagement by the Gauteng Department of Social Development and the departments of health and basic education, was part of the Adopt a Pregnant Learner programme.
• The programme is designed to provide holistic support by bringing together support from crucial sectors such as social development, health, and education to ensure that no learner is left behind.

The Adopt a Pregnant Learner programme has reached out to teenage mothers and mothers-to-be in Sebokeng in Gauteng’s southern corridor.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development, in partnership with the departments of health and basic education, hosted the meeting at JC Knoetze Hall in Sebokeng recently.

The engagement was held under the theme “Teenage Pregnancy: Adopt a pregnant Learner”.

Targeting pregnant teenagers from Sebokeng and the neighbouring communities, the aim of the initiative was to raise awareness, offer psychosocial support, and equip young mothers-to-be with the necessary tools to cope with the challenges of early pregnancy while continuing with their education.

Teenage pregnancy remains a pressing social issue that affects young people’s education, health, and future opportunities.

The Adopt a Pregnant Learner programme is designed to provide holistic support by bringing together support from crucial sectors such as social development, health, and education to ensure that no learner is left behind.

As part of the day’s programme, learners were taught coping skills, educated on health care, informed about available resources, and guided on how to access both social and educational support networks.

Health officials addressed maternal care, while education representatives emphasised the importance of learners remaining in school to secure their future.
Social worker manager from the Gauteng Department of Social Development, Vuyisile Bolofo, highlighted adoption as a responsible and compassionate option for young mothers who may feel overwhelmed.

“Adoption is a good choice, but not an easy one. Don’t abandon the baby.”

Providing further support to the young mothers-to-be, the Department of Social Development distributed starter packs of essential baby items, reinforcing its commitment to promoting the well-being of both mothers and their unborn children.