Education for Teenage Mothers: A Key to Empowerment
The Need for Support
PETALING JAYA: Two child rights groups have urged the government to step up efforts to provide education and other forms of support to teenage mothers. Malaysian Council for Child Welfare (MKKM) president Raj Karim said that such teenagers usually lack financial and emotional support from their families, forcing them to drop out of school to care for their children.
Education is Key
Raj emphasized that educating both teenage mothers and their parents would allow them to make more informed decisions. "Education is key for the children, parents and the community," she told FMT. "Access to reproductive and sexual health services should be made available so that the child will know where to go when she needs help," she added.
Challenges Faced by Teenage Mothers
On Nov 10, women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri revealed that there have been 44,263 recorded cases of underage pregnancies over the past five years, with 26,617 involving legally married teenagers. Pelajar Bukan Pengantin (PBP), a coalition of NGOs and activists campaigning to end child marriages in Malaysia, called for education programmes to incorporate sexual reproductive and health services.
Flexible School Schedules and Online Learning
PBP said that Malaysia also needs to help protect sexual and reproductive rights of minors by offering flexible school schedules, online learning or part-time programmes to accommodate the needs of teenage mothers. "Many teen mothers face challenges with childcare and balancing schoolwork, so flexible attendance policies and virtual learning platforms can help them stay engaged in their education," it said.
On-Site Childcare Programme
Establishing an on-site childcare programme that provides affordable or free childcare services at school or nearby locations will also allow teen mothers to continue their education without the burden of finding safe and reliable childcare. "This must go hand in hand with financial aid for teen mothers such as subsidies and scholarships, to name a few," PBP told FMT.
Awareness and Sensitivity Training
The coalition said that school administrators, teachers, staff and students should all undergo awareness and sensitivity training to help them understand the challenges faced by teenage mothers and encourage them to show more compassion. PBP said that this can help promote supportive and non-judgemental school environments for teenage mothers, achievable through peer support groups, mentoring programmes and inclusive school activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential for the Malaysian government to provide education and support to teenage mothers. By offering flexible school schedules, online learning, and part-time programmes, the government can help protect the sexual and reproductive rights of minors and promote a supportive and non-judgemental school environment.
FAQs
Q: Why is education important for teenage mothers?
A: Education is key for the children, parents, and community. It allows them to make informed decisions and provides them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate their lives.
Q: What are some of the challenges faced by teenage mothers?
A: Teenage mothers often lack financial and emotional support from their families, forcing them to drop out of school to care for their children. They also face challenges with childcare and balancing schoolwork.
Q: What can be done to support teenage mothers?
A: The government can provide education and support to teenage mothers by offering flexible school schedules, online learning, and part-time programmes. School administrators, teachers, staff, and students should also undergo awareness and sensitivity training to promote a supportive and non-judgemental school environment.