Grade 7 pupils educated on teen pregnancy
A DEBATE was held on teenage pregnancy at Olympic Primary School in Kimberley yesterday.
A learner support agent who is stationed at the school, Sarah Alexander, said Grade 7 pupils were educated on the risks of teenage pregnancy, abortion, sexually transmitted infections, the risk of having multiple sexual partners, HIV/AIDS and contraception.
“We invited a councillor from Lifeline to interact with the pupils. A march was held around the school block to raise awareness about teenage pregnancy.
It is important to have discussions and dialogues about these issues. Pupils also need to know what happens when they engage in sexual activity from a young age. We released balloons with messages inside and motorists were encouraged to honk their hooters,” said Alexander.
She added that teenagers at the school who fell pregnant were offered support.
“I help to take the expectant mother to the clinic for regular check-ups or if she is not feeling well. I also make sure that they are up to date with their school work and take their homework to them if they missed out on classes. We also like to introduce the baby to the school and make sure that the mother is given the necessary support after she has given birth.
“Programmes to address bullying and substance abuse are also offered at the school.“
Alexander noted that it was often through these discussions that they discovered that pupils were being molested.