29 May 2017

The number of teenage pregnancy cases at Kgari Sechele Senior Secondary School in Molepolole has raised a concern with the school management.

As a result, The Teen’s Talk Club, was formed as a way of providing the students with a platform to talk about their issues openly.

Guidance and counselling teacher, Ms Christinah Hambira, who is also the club’s patron, said in an interview, that the club started in 2011 to empower teenage mothers and to create a conducive environment to help them complete their studies.

She said the club was created after noticing that some students who fell pregnant, left school forever, while those who returned, faced stigma from both students and staff.

Further, she said the aim of the club was to curb teenage pregnancy adding that they also welcomed teenagers who were not yet mothers.

Ms Hambira said there were some students who fell pregnant because they were raped, while some were forced into relationships because of economic status at home. 

“We are not saying we support teenage pregnancy, but these are still our children and we need our support and help to complete their studies,” she noted.

Ms Hambira said their motto was Teenage Pregnancy is a Mistake, but a Child is a Blessing, so as to help teen mothers accept themselves and their babies.

The club she said, appreciated the fact that teenage mothers did not abort their babies and they therefore try help them bond with their babies and find way forward.

One of the teenage mothers and also vice chairperson of the club, Refilwe Kgosietsile said the club helped her accept herself as a teenage mother and student.

She said the club helped her realise that there was always a second chance. ENDS