Teenage mothers at school

The Dune’s Paper editorial team spoke to a few learners to hear their opinion if girls should be allowed back into school after giving birth. Here is what they had to say.
ELIZABETH JOSEPH
Edwinia Kastoor

Josephine Amvila

I would prefer if they came back to school, because the teenage mother needs education to provide for their child once her school career is over. And in many cases the “baby daddy” leaves the mother alone to support for the child alone.

Anthony Palmer

Yes, I think that everyone deserves a second chance, even if the person made a few wrongful decisions in their life. That girl must just learn from their mistakes and stand strong. I also feel that they must be punished for what they have done, in order for them to learn from their mistakes.

Queen Garises

Opportunity to complete their school career enables them to a better job and lifestyle, whereby they can support their family. With no education these girls won’t be able to find a decent job as Namibia already has a great unemployment rate. We should live by Nelson Mandela’s wise words

Nokokure Mujazu

Just because they fell pregnant doesn’t mean they should be shunned. They should not be humiliated. Education is important for everyone and she’ll need the knowledge in order provide for her young one. Empathetically yes, a teenage mother should be allowed back to school without a doubt.

Larry !Xaugab

I individually feel that girls should be allowed back into school after childbearing. Education is the key to success; it is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. That being so that not a single soul should be denied the right to education, irrespective of their circumstances

Mrs Cathleene Galant

Being a teacher, I’ve witnessed many success stories of learners that were given the chance to come back to school. Having a child was their ultimate motivation. However being a mother myself, I feel the learner should be given reasonable time to build a bond with the child as every mother would wish to.

Bernolda Gabrialle

They need education to become something in life in order to support their child. Just because she fell pregnant doesn’t mean she is stupid and needs to be punished for life. The teenage mothers are most likely to be the ones that study hard because they know someone depends on them.

Voilla shoopala:

Yes, because they have a chance to accomplish their dreams and support their child. Sure, they will get mocked but, they should ignore the bullies because, it is not them who are going to be a Doctor or Accountant one day. My advice to all young mothers out there, is too never underestimate yourself!

Georgia Wohler:

Yes, because they have an opportunity to finish school and provide for their child. Teenage mothers shouldn't abhor society for the fact that people discriminate against them. My advice to Young mothers is not to care about people's opinions, because they don't live to impress people.

Mazario Nash

A girl that falls pregnant in high school will either drop out or continue with school depending on the person’s circumstances and character, but this choice is to be made by the young girl and boy. No school can snatch and deprive a learner from his/her chance to complete his/her education.