This archive report was first published on 6 August 2019.
On a three-day state visit to Jamaica, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta emphasized the importance of education for teenage mothers, citing the need to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy.
Speaking at the Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation in Kingston on Monday, the First Lady highlighted the success of a special program for adolescent mothers, which has seen over 46,000 teenage mothers successfully reintegrated back into school since its inception 40 years ago.
First Lady Kenyatta, who is accompanying President Uhuru Kenyatta on the visit, commended the Jamaican government for its innovative approach to addressing the challenges faced by teenage mothers.
"I have fervently supported projects – such as this one, that encourage girls to stay in school to benefit from uninterrupted education despite their circumstances," she said.
The First Lady also emphasized the need for communities to reintegrate young mothers and send them back to school, citing the importance of education in empowering girls and protecting them from challenges such as HIV infections and maternal mortality.
She encouraged the teenage mothers to strive for excellence in their academic work and in developing their characters as they pursue dreams to become successful women.
"I encourage all you girls here to make the most of this opportunity to nurture your talent and reach for the stars," she told the young mothers.
