Abuja: The Knowing and Becoming Foundation has unveiled an initiative to provide education, healthcare, mentorship, and livelihood support to 100 vulnerable teenage mothers. The Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Miss Ene Samuel, disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Samuel stated that the organisation was established to restore hope to vulnerable girls through evangelism, education, mentorship, and empowerment. She revealed that the foundation has so far conducted two outreaches in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, reaching more than 80 girls with life-skills training, counselling, and empowerment programmes.
Samuel explained that the organisation is expanding its intervention to teenage mothers due to the challenges they face after pregnancy, such as being denied educational opportunities and lacking emotional or financial support. She emphasized that teenage pregnancy should not hinder these girls from becoming productive members of society and that the foundation’s programme aims to help them rebuild their lives.
Highlighting the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy, Samuel identified poverty and parental neglect as major issues in the communities where the foundation operates. She shared a case of a 15-year-old girl who became pregnant after being exploited by an adult, leading to complications during pregnancy and an emergency Caesarean section that her family could not afford. The foundation intervened by covering the surgery costs and providing post-delivery support.
Beyond immediate assistance, the organisation also helps beneficiaries regain confidence through counselling, mentorship, skills development, and spiritual guidance. Samuel recounted the story of a teenage mother who, with the foundation’s support, secured employment and is now preparing to return to school for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Samuel outlined that the foundation’s intervention for the 100 teenage mothers would include baby care materials, financial support, healthcare access, counselling, mentorship, and vocational training. She noted the initiative would cost about N1.7 million, with only 20 per cent of the funds raised so far, and appealed for support from various stakeholders.
She urged governments to create more educational opportunities for out-of-school girls and stressed the importance of awareness campaigns on teenage pregnancy, counselling services, and protective measures against sexual exploitation. Samuel emphasized the need to support teenage mothers in rebuilding their lives and restoring their dignity and hope.