Mombasa Woman Rep sending teen mums back to class
Two teenage mothers with their babies. Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohammed seeks to give the teenage mothers a second chance to fulfil their academic and career aspirations.
What you need to know:
- Zamzam Mohammed says the first phase targets about 350 girls.
- They are among more than 1,000 learners to benefit from the National Government Affirmative Fund.
Mombasa schoolgirls who were forced to discontinue their studies to take care of their babies are being re-enrolled.
An initiative led by Woman Representative Zamzam Mohammed seeks to give the teenage mothers a second chance to fulfil their academic and career aspirations.
Ms Mohammed says the first phase targets about 350 girls. They are among more than 1,000 learners to benefit from the National Government Affirmative Fund. It is the first time a politician is giving young mothers in Mombasa bursaries to enable them to resume learning.
Best gift
Ms Mohammed said education is the best gift a parent can give a child.
“Please, do not hide the girls at home, or discriminate against them. If they want to go back to school, bring them to my office and I will give them full scholarships. However, the parents should sacrifice to take care of their grandchildren while their daughters study,” she added.
She further warned headteachers against expelling the students for failing in their studies. Instead, the county MP said, teachers should ensure they excel.
“You are responsible for ensuring the students pass. Do not be too harsh to the students.”
Ms Mohammed urged parents to collaborate with teachers to uplift the standards of education on the Coast, expressing concerns that they are dwindling.
