NGO ENCOURAGES YOUNG MOTHERS TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL.

Obaapa Development Foundation (ODF), a non-governmental organization seeking to get young mothers in the Ashanti, Volta and Eastern Region to go back to school has been launched.

The aim is to aim to break the cycle of poverty that affects teenage mothers and discourage motherhood at a young age.

The project, as part of piloting, has offered more than 50 teenage mothers in the Ashanti Region and 10 in the Volta Region, the opportunity to go back to school.

The target is to reintegrate about 100 teenagers during the next academic year in September. 

Speaking at the launch of the project during the Ohum Festival of the people of Akuapem-Brekuso, former Deputy Tourism and Creative Arts Minister, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, urged teenage girls to aspire to be the best that they can be. She also discouraged them not to be content with their current status in society. 

“My children please don’t be satisfied with JHS and SHS certificates, don’t be satisfied even with Diploma or first degrees. You must challenge yourself to achieve greatness,” she advised.

The Executive Director of the Obaapa Development Foundation, Obaahemaa Adwoa Awindor said teenage mothers who enrol would have their school fees paid, where applicable, while they also enjoy free supply of school uniforms, books, bags, sandals and other accessories.

 

According to her, the NGO intends to empower teenage mothers and make them realize their ambitions and aspirations without hindrance.

 

The Ohum Festival is an annual event that brings together the people of Brekuso to feast and iron out all differences between families and town folks. 

 

This year’s festival is under the theme: ‘The role of traditional leadership in mentoring the next generation’.

Source: Myjoyonline