One of the students from the primary school in Makonjemare, whom we have been supporting for many years, has recently become a mother. This news deeply affected us, especially since she is only 15 years old and comes from extreme poverty. Due to her (hidden) pregnancy, she stopped attending school and has now left without a diploma.
Her family was already struggling to make ends meet, and with another mouth to feed, their situation has become even more difficult. However, we have decided not to abandon her. We reached out to the school, her mother, the former school head, and the village elder. To our dismay, we learned that multiple teenage pregnancies have been reported at Makonjemare.
To address this issue, the school, with the support of our Kenya team and child protection organizations, will organize an awareness meeting for parents at the end of this month. Parents will be educated on the importance of warning their children daily and teaching them how to protect themselves from persistent young men who loiter around the school. Both parents and teachers will be urged to be extra vigilant.
Learn! Foundation will finance this event and ensure that all parents receive a meal. Additionally, we have provided financial support to the family so they could purchase the necessary items for the baby.
