Teen mothers crucial to development—Fawema

Forum for African Women Educationalists in Malawi (Fawema) has said teen mothers have the potential to turn into agents of the country’s socio-economic transformation if innovative and sustainable measures are set to readmit and retain them in school.

Fawema project officer for reducing teenage pregnancies (RTP) Thokozani Phiri was speaking this week in Zomba at the end of a five-day RTP girls’ camp.

The camp attracted about 100 teen mothers as well as other vulnerable girls from Phalombe, Machinga, Balaka and Mangochi that Fawema, with technical support from Save the Children and Norad, hosted at Mulunguzi and Malosa secondary schools in the district.

One of the girls at the camp, Asiyeni Khando, commended Fawema and its partners for supporting them to return to school as it gives them hope that they can live successful lives after pregnancy if they return and work hard in school. n