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EDITIONS
 Tuesday, 26 November, 2002, 18:21 GMT
Teenage mums' education plea
Teenage mums generic
Teenage mums are looking for more education opportunities
Teenage mothers from the south Wales valleys have lobbied ministers at the Welsh Assembly to do more to allow them to continue their schooling.

A group of young mums - all under the age of 16 - met assembly politicians in Cardiff on Tuesday to appeal for more educational opportunities.

They were told by Jane Davidson that an action plan was being worked on to improve the provision of services for teenage mothers

Mo Wilson, teenage magazine worker

Under Rhondda Cynon Taf council the girls are entitled to two days of English and Maths lessons at the Books and Babies school for young mothers in the Rhondda Valley.

When the girls reach 16 funding for their education ceases and they will forced to leave the school.

During a visit to the assembly, they addressed their concerns to the Welsh Education Minister Jane Davidson and other AMs.

Mo Wilson, who works with the girls to produce an annual magazine for teenage mothers and mothers-to-be, said: "The girls want more opportunities.

"At the moment once they reach 16 there isn't anything for them.

"The girls want a provision of funding so that they can continue their education past the age of 16.

Welsh Education Minister Jane Davidson
Jane Davidson promised to look at the issue

"This was a very good experience for the girls to be heard by the politicians.

"It was a very empowering experience.

"They were told by Jane Davidson that an action plan was being worked on to improve the provision of services for teenage mothers.

"We are now waiting to see what the action plan looks like and whether their concerns have been addressed," she said.

Under present regulations, there is a legal requirement for local authorities to provide education to all people aged under 16.

However, there is a variation on what is offered by different authorities.

"There isn't a national policy on this matter - it is up to the individual local authorities," said Ms Wilson.


More from south east Wales
See also:

30 Jan 02 | N Ireland
28 Jun 99 | Teen pregnancy
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