Early pregnancy not a death sentence

TEENAGE INDULGENCE in sex is not new, nor will it go away. Indeed, how traditional societies treated it in the past was to marry off the daughters soon after puberty, in that way avoiding the shame brought about by a loss of virginity and out-ofwedlock childbirth.

In this respect,

Jamaica, through the Women’s Centre, has set the world an example of a realistic response to the new challenges. Some of our Latin American neighbours have been speaking of the ‘Caribbeanisation’ of their family FOR THE past 40 years, the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF) has been providing adolescent mothers in Jamaica with the space within which they are able to continue their education during the period of their pregnancy. The young mothers are reintegrated into the formal school system after the birth of their babies. Over the period, in excess of 47,000 adolescent mothers have been encouraged to dismiss the notion that an early pregnancy is a death sentence. They have been empowered to defy the odds and enabled to maximise the second chance to complete their secondary education and thereby realise their educational goals. This is no ordinary accomplishment. It is reason to celebrate.

This celebration is grounded in the research findings that educated adolescent mothers are likely to also ensure that their offspring are educated. This reality is translated into human capital development, which is pivotal for sustainable development.

The WCJF, therefore, celebrates the fact that, for the past 40 years, it has made a significant contribution to the process of nation-building. The organisation also celebrates the fact that the coveted model has pattern with the rise of out-ofwedlock childbearing by adolescent mothers. They, too, have much to learn from our experience.

Remarkably, the Women’s Centre has won not only the hearts of all Jamaicans for its work in restoring the selfesteem of its clients, continuing their education and setting them on a selfconfident path to upward mobility and success, but also the attention of many countries both here in the Caribbean and further afield. Congratulations from my heart. PAMELA MCNEIL Founder of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation First National Director

PAMELA MCNEIL

gained best practice recognition, and has been studied by, and replicated in, several countries cross the world.

Inasmuch as there are several reasons to celebrate, it is also recognised that complacency is the breeding ground for obsolescence. Therefore, the period of celebration also leaves room for reflections and projections relative to ways in which the organisation will improve its practice; expand it programme; and further impact the target population. In this wise, 2018 is an epoc-making year for the WCJF.

As the organisation celebrates its 40th anniversary, it recognises, with appreciation, the contribution of the respective umbrella ministries, and the boards of directors; the commitment of the members of staff, 50 per cent of which has been in service for over zero years; the contribution of the respective stakeholders and partners. It is this collective contribution that has resulted in the success of the WCJF, and continues to provide the organisation with justifiable solid ground on which to celebrate this year, and posture for several years to come.

ZOE SIMPSON, EDD Executive Director

DR ZOE SIMPSON