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ABM project combats teen pregnancy

They were empowered in order for them to empower others

WITH teen pregnancy on the rise in SA, the South Durban Basin (SDB) Area Based Management (ABM) office launched its teenage pregnancy prevention programme last month.

“Teenage pregnancy is growing rapidly among pupils and this leads to drop-outs and high statistics of teenage mothers whose chances of obtaining gainful employment drop quite significantly,” said SDB ABM’s Zinhle Biyela.

In partnership with stakeholders across the province, the office launched its programme which is aimed at not only reducing teen pregnancies but looking at gender equality across communities and schools and women’s rights.

Ntokozo Tshapa from Safer Cities said the city was concerned with the high rate of teenage pregnancy. “Unplanned pregnancies occur every day, which leads to drop-outs and this leads to crime and a whole host of social challenges.”

Sixty SDB pupils in grades 8 to 11, who were chosen for the programme, were given two presentations on the subject.

Pupils interacted with each other and shared challenges that affect them as teenagers. As ambassadors of their schools, they were given crucial skills and knowledge in order to overcome the various challenges they face.

They were empowered in order for them to empower others. We express our grateful appreciation to the Department of Education which gave us invaluable support during this workshop,” said SDB ABM’s Anitha Govender.

Fairvale Secondary School teacher, Bayron Deborah said: “I am pleased with the effort and enthusiasm the pupils put in throughout this programme. Teenage pregnancy is a major issue in our schools, which we always strive to address.”

Grosvenor Girls High School’s Yolanda Nene added: “This programme has helped me gain knowledge on how to express myself and has helped me to find different techniques to stop this epidemic and its resultant social challenges. We as teenagers can and must make a difference. We must minimise teenage pregnancy because we are the future.”

The pupils were given a certificate of attendance and completion by IChange’s Marvin Hlophe.

 

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