The family that I interacted with and observed consist of two sisters who are ages 17 and 21, who both have two small children who attend the childcare center and the mother of these two sisters. I explained to these two sisters and their mother that I was researching teen pregnancy and that I was gathering information from families to begin my advocacy efforts to meet the needs of the families affected by this issue. The mother of the two sisters stated that she and her daughters all need some support and guidance. During our conversation she revealed that she too was a teen mother and that she believes that the cycle has continued, because of the lack of support or preventive services. One of her daughters is in school, but the 17 year old has not completed high school and that her very basic dreams are that her daughters just complete high school and find decent jobs and that her grandchildren are not apart of the cycle.
During our conversation I explained my desire and passion to help many young girls who are in the same or similar situation. I believe that this family is in desperate need of support and guidance, I gave the family the names of some preventive services, and alternative schools that can help get these girls on the right track. I told them that they have taken the first step, by enrolling their children in a high quality program, which gives them the opportunity and time away from their children to continue with their education, even past the high school level. I explained how imperative it is for them to follow up with the referral's to ensure that they have the education and skills needed to take care of and raise a family.
During our conversation I explained my desire and passion to help many young girls who are in the same or similar situation. I believe that this family is in desperate need of support and guidance, I gave the family the names of some preventive services, and alternative schools that can help get these girls on the right track. I told them that they have taken the first step, by enrolling their children in a high quality program, which gives them the opportunity and time away from their children to continue with their education, even past the high school level. I explained how imperative it is for them to follow up with the referral's to ensure that they have the education and skills needed to take care of and raise a family.
I know that I have probably said this a couple of times before but these families are so lucky that they have someone like you Tan. I know that this is part of our assignment in order to graduate but I feel that you are really starting to take this effort on a more personal level just like I am. You may be the only person that these young ladies may have for support. I really hope that your efforts go beyond what you expected.
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DeleteThanks Roberto, your center is very lucky and privileged to have you, you are a commodity! Our field needs more male teacher, I see them at the elementary level more, but, our young children need male teachers too!
DeleteIt's very interesting to have read in your post that it is a continuing cycle that teen moms fall into. But if you continue in helping teen moms this can stop from happening because as you mentor them and get them in the right track they will follow in your foot steps and serve as mentors for teens in preventing teen pregnancy.
ReplyDeleteYes, It is a continuing cycle,and hopefully my efforts as well as those of the families providing support and educating their daughters will possibly reduce the number of teen pregnancies.
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