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New program to help young moms with education

Article Origin

Author

By Michelle Borowiecki Sweetgrass Writer ENOCH FIRST NATION

Volume

19

Issue

1

Year

2011

A new program launched in the community of Enoch is reaching out to young mothers.

Operating under the belief that education is the key to success, the Second Chance for Young Moms program is helping young mothers finish high school, further their education, and become better parents.

“Lack of education is a barrier to becoming self sustaining,” said Colleen McDonald, Enoch Cree Nation Health Services spokesperson. Many young mothers find it difficult if not impossible to finish their high school education. Some also battle with addiction and poverty. “We interviewed many young women to find out their needs, and what could be done to help.”

Launched in September, the program is taking 12 young women under its wings. Students are required to take a minimum of three courses through a virtual classroom. Prior to enrolling in the class students participate in a self-assessment to ensure they are placed at the appropriate level. In an effort to ensure the success of these young moms, the program also addresses barriers to attendance such as childcare and transportation.

 “One of the unique aspects of this type of learning is being able to ask questions of your instructor at any point, without drawing attention to yourself,” said McDonald. The question will pop up anonymously in front of the instructor who then has the opportunity to address the virtual classroom collectively.

The courses themselves remain on line for reference. Students can revisit topics that they are having difficulties with or require further attention as many times as needed. There is also an on-site mentor to guide students through the processes and provide personal attention.

Second Chance for Young Moms believes in addressing the emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual. The program is continuously and actively developing partnerships to be used to address these fundamentals.
Teenage pregnancy adds a whole new dimension to the difficulties of parenthood and parenting. The program currently has over 40 stakeholders across the province, such as the University of Alberta hospital, that it is collaborating with as a means to fill the service gaps in the community and to provide resources and help so young mothers can be successful.

Working together provides a variety of services such as baby clinics at the local health centre, parenting and nutrition clinics and access to a pediatrician. There are also partnerships with programs that offer addiction counseling and treatment.

“Every situation is unique. For example, if a young family is interested in couples counseling we can help with that,” said McDonald.

McDonald is passionate about the program. She has spent countless hours, days, and months seeking funding in order to get the program off the ground and running. Her hard work paid off with a boost from the Safe Communities Innovation Fund, which provided a provincial grant.

“Women are the core of the family. If the women are successful, if the women are strong if we can empower the women to empower themselves, this will create a rippling effect across the entire community,” said McDonald.