A Beacon Valley teenager, who fell pregnant but continued to attend school and matriculated, was among those recently recognised by an organisation that supports teen moms.
Kim Wagenstroom, a member of Intyatyambo Yesizwe (flower of our nation) Teen Mom Club, said they had motivated her to stay in school and pursue her dreams.
“It was hard. I was just myself. They reminded me that this is not the end. Never give up and I did not want to disappoint my family,” she said
She would like to study at The Animation School, in Woodstock, but for now she is selling grooming products.
At a gathering held at the Town Centre library hall on Friday February 28, the club congratulated six young women for completing their national senior certificate, while pregnant and raising their babies.
Club founder Ntombesizwe Basso, who holds a social science degree with majors in psychology and communication science, said it was all about encouraging and supporting teens to get their education and lead better lives for their children.
The club supports pregnant and teen mothers, aged 14 to 23, from Mitchell’s Plain, Philippi, Khayelitsha and Delft.
They also host parenting classes, teen mom home visits, life skills classes (including anger management), career guidance, ongoing telephonic and in-person counselling, HIV support groups, business days and empowerment sessions.
For more information, call or text Ntombie on 072 343 9435 or email ntombie.basso@gmail.com