The Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF) is expanding its support for teenage mothers with the opening of a new facility in St Catherine. Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, made the announcement, underscoring the significance of the initiative for the rapidly growing population in the region. “It’s crucial that we provide support for our teenage mothers in this area,” Grange emphasized.
The announcement took place during a handover ceremony where the Ministry of Health and Wellness donated a wellness bench to the WCJF at their Kingston office. Grange commended the foundation for its successful efforts in empowering teenage mothers, highlighting their role in helping young women achieve educational milestones and make informed life choices.
Notably, the foundation has maintained a repeat pregnancy rate below two percent over the past decade, reflecting the positive impact of their work. Currently, the WCJF supports approximately 500 adolescent mothers across Jamaica. “This centre is vital for our young women, especially those whose progress was interrupted by teenage pregnancy. We commend the foundation for its impressive track record in fostering successful young women,” Grange added.
The WCJF’s Adolescent Mothers Programme plays a key role in this effort, providing educational opportunities for girls aged 17 and under who are pregnant. The programme allows these young mothers to continue their education at WCJF centres before reintegrating them into the formal school system after childbirth.
