By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
TEENAGE mothers are being given a vital stepping-stone to get back to school.
A makeshift classroom has been set up at Mission Australia’s early learning centre in Doveton.
While the young mothers learn VCE subjects, their babies sleep in a nursery in the next room.
For Beth Coppola, staying close to her eight-month-old daughter Amber-Rose was the main reason she went ‘back to school’ through the Aim’n’High program.
When she first arrived, she was six months pregnant and had a year 10 education.
“I didn’t know if I could be a good parent, let alone study as well,” Miss Coppola said.
The work has been surprisingly easy for her though and she is aiming for a university midwifery degree.
Miss Coppola and three classmates are mentored by two teachers from Hallam Senior College in VCE English, sociology, health and human development, and mathematics.
Last year, Leesa Leporte, 19, of Cranbourne, was one of 14 mothers who took part in the Aim’n’High program. All but three graduated.
Miss Leporte fell pregnant after completing year 10 and the prospect of going back to school was “scary”.
“I knew I was older than everyone else there, my friends had graduated and people knew I had dropped out because I was pregnant,” she said.
“I don’t think I would have gone back to school without the program. I wouldn’t have many opportunities to work with just a year 10 pass.”
Miss Leporte studies years 11 and 12 subjects at Hallam Senior College, and has plans for future TAFE studies.
Mission Australia state director Emma Cassar said the program aimed to help an estimated 100 teenage mothers in the region return to school and get off welfare dependency.
“The program has made a significant difference in the lives of a number of teenage mums,” she said.
“They are great examples of what the program can achieve, and how important it is to keep this going.”
To join, call South East Youth Connections on 1800335106.
