Second chance as 64 teen mothers to resume high school

**Embu Woman Representative Njoki Njeru (centre) presents a scholarship certificate to a young mother and her parent at Kangaru School, Embu.** [Muriithi Mugo, Standard]

At least 64 young mothers will be resuming studies when schools reopen next week, thanks to an initiative by Embu Woman Representative Njoki Njeru.

The programme dubbed "Restoring Hope for the Teenage Mothers" seeks to empower girls who dropped out of school after they became pregnant.

Speaking at Kangaru School where she met the teenage mothers, their parents, school principals and national government officials, Ms Njeru said the initiative will ensure that young mothers are self-reliant after completing their education.

She noted that through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), her office will fund young mothers' education from high school to college and university.

Njeru urged the young mothers to take their education seriously while not forgetting their parental responsibilities, noting that they will be day scholars at schools of their choice but near their areas of residence.

"You are a student during the day and a wife or mother in the evening, therefore balance the two well and don't let me down," Ms Njeru said.

Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuor cautioned the teenage mothers enrolled in the programme to avoid falling pregnant again.

Obuor challenged school heads to ensure the teen mothers' smooth integration into school and offer guidance and counseling to them.

"It should not be treated as a usual business but an accident to get pregnant, give birth and come back to school," Obuor told the stakeholders at the launch.

He noted the government in collaboration with other stakeholders is making concrete plans to rescue the boy child who he said is now endangered.