By Rupadai Seenaraine
In keeping with the recommendations that were made by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for the successful reintegration of teenage mothers into the formal school system via multisectorial partnerships, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence has announced several activities that the Ministry has been involved in to address these issues.
Speaking with Guyana Times International on Wednesday, Minister Lawrence highlighted that there have been efforts between the two Ministries – Public Health and Education – to spread more awareness and increase the number of teenage mothers back into the school to complete their formal education programmes.
She explained that officials from the Education Ministry have been stationed at the Adolescent Health Department where the issues surrounding the policy are being dealt with.
Additionally, it was related that a new policy is in the making which will focus on sexual and reproductive health. This was done so as to ensure that teenagers are aware of the circumstances and is hoping to reduce the cases of pregnancies in young girls.
“With regards to collaboration, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education is working at our Adolescent Health Department on the issues and policies. We are now looking at the sexual and reproductive health policy and the Ministry of Education is a part of that team that is looking at that policy and strategies and plans. I’m extremely happy about that,” she said.
The Minister also highlighted that she is cognisant of the high rates of adolescent mothers in today’s society and these partnerships will ensure that the policy is easily implemented.
“I’m elated that Guyana has taken this high position. This is one of the issues with several women’s organisations groups, we have been fighting for to ensure that these young ladies, who may have made a mistake but they must be able to be given an equal opportunity to enhance themselves and the lives of their child,” the Minister explained.
