THE Department of Education (DoE) in the uMkhanyakude District has asked LifeLine Zululand for help in stemming appalling pupil pregnancy levels.
This includes numerous pre-teen primary school moms-to-be…or abortion candidates.
In his appeal for help, DoE District Manager, Nhlanhla Dlamini advised LifeLine of alarming scholar pregnancy rates recorded last year in that single district alone:
• 42 in grades 4 to 6;
• 442 in grades 7 to 9;
• 1 280 in grades 10 to 12, giving a total of 1 764 gymslip pregnancies.
‘The Department has specifically identified two schools – one each in Ingwavuma and Hluhluwe – where they believe assistance is needed and have asked us to help by conducting dialogues with Grades 8 to 12,’ said LifeLine Zululand Director, Sue Stephenson.
‘Our participation in teenage pregnancy indabas, as well as the work we do in many schools addressing issues of sexuality and teenage pregnancy, over the years, has led to the formation of a strong relationship between LifeLine and the Department of Education.
‘LifeLine is passionate about helping youth reach their full potential and make informed lifestyle choices and thus feel that we cannot ignore this plea for help.
‘We are currently running a washable sanitary pad project in various schools in the eNseleni area with a strong focus on teenage pregnancy, addressing both male and female pupils.
‘This funded project has enabled us to establish a group of seven trained facilitators who conduct regular dialogues in schools.
‘This team could thus all go up together in the LifeLine vehicle to conduct dialogues, disseminate information and thereby assist these schools in need.’
Funding required
However, while the resolve and the expertise are there, the mission could be aborted before it even starts if funds cannot be sourced.
‘The school in Ingwavuma is about 227km from Richards Bay with 427 learners in Grades 8 to 12, while the school in Hluhluwe is 145km distant and has 1 268 pupils in those grades.
‘We would need to make at least four trips to Hluhluwe and two trips to Ingwavuma plus an additional trip to each area, later in the year for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
‘All this comes at a cost and as our finances are very tight we need to elicit some assistance from local businesses.
‘Donations towards any of our operational/activity costs, such as cash, petrol, food vouchers, vehicle service or airtime, would go a long way in helping those who need our interventions.’
*LifeLine Zululand can be contacted on 035 7892472.
