Give teen mothers another chance at education, parents urged

By Leonard Murunga

Teen mothers, given an opportunity to proceed with their education in Kakamega County, have been encouraged to work hard for a bright and better future.

Addressing teen mothers during an event organised by her Janet Barasa Foundation, Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa’s spouse, Janet Barasa said they can only become role models in the community if they excel in their studies.

"Girls who got this opportunity should work hard in school,” said the Kakamega County First Lady.

She called on relevant government agencies to regulate the use of social media, while encouraging parents, teachers and religious leaders to be at the forefront of providing proper counsel to school going children.  

"Our children watch a lot of things on the internet and they want to experiment. I ask parents to help our children stick to our values,” she appealed.

Founded in 2023, the Janet Barasa Foundation supports teen mothers to access secondary and tertiary education.

On other hand, Dorothy Okemo, CEO of the Access to Medicines Platforms Organization which partners with the Foundation, said that there is a need for the community to join hands in the fight against the menace of early pregnancy in the country

“Girls deserve a chance to complete education. This program is close to our heart because it aligns with the work we do which is to really protect the rights and entitlement of girls and women in Western Kenya,” stated Okemo.

She called for arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of sexual gender-based violence.

According to the Demographic and Health Survey 2023, about 34 percent of women have experienced physical violence since age 15, while 13 percent of women have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives.

On her part, Mary Makokha, CEO Rural Education and Economic Enhancement Program (REEP) in Butula, Busia County urged parents of teenagers not to hide their children whenever they get pregnant.

She added that the high rate of pregnancy in Busia County and the country, is as a result of parents neglecting their duties, such as buying sanitary pads for the girl child.