From left, Rachael, Jacinda and her son Syrus, maths and English teacher Jane, Jennifer, support worker Stephanie and Caroline and her daughter Olivia are all involved in the new Young Mums program in Cranbourne. 88621 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
By BRIDGET COOK
CRYING babies, nappy changes and nursery rhymes isn’t what usually goes on in your typical classroom.
But a new program being run in Cranbourne is doing just that – allowing young mums to combine their new role as a parent with getting an education.
Thanks to a $230,000 grant from the Helen McPherson Trust, Swinburne University of Technology’s award-winning Young Mums program is now being offered at Cranbourne Secondary College.
The program, offered to young mothers aged between 15 and 21, allows the women to take time off to give birth and return to the classroom when they are ready, as well as bring their babies and toddlers along to class.
To date six young mothers have enrolled in the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) course at Cranbourne which runs four days a week.
Course convenor Louise Schilling said the program gave the mothers the opportunity to increase skills and knowledge, as well as boost self-esteem and develop support networks.
“The program helps young parents reconnect with the community so that they can be confident, positive community members,” she said.
“This in turn will take them out of the welfare cycle.
“It re-engages them with the education system during and following pregnancy, enables them to keep their babies with them in class and equips them with parenting skills.”
Cranbourne mother of two Jennifer Fitzell, 21, who is enrolled in the program, said it had been a huge help.
“Since having Reilly and Keally, I wanted to go back to study but it didn’t seem feasible,” she said.
“By the time you pay for day care fees, it’s just not worth it.
“A lot of the jobs I wanted, I needed a Year 12 pass and this program gives me that, as well as other added benefits.
“This program will really open up a range of avenues for me.”
Cranbourne Secondary College deputy principal John Jovic said the school was happy to provide a classroom for the Young Mums program.
“As the secondary college located in the heart of Cranbourne, we see ourselves as an important member of the broader community,” he said.
“In my observations of the program so far, I have been very impressed by the relationship that exists between the staff and the young mums.
“They have been able to integrate into our school environment in a seamless manner, with our senior school students interacting positively with the young mums on a day-to-day basis.
“We were especially pleased to see that some of our former students had enrolled in the program and were therefore able to re-engage in an education program that could potentially provide a pathway to a career.”
Completion of the course qualifies students with a VCAL, as well as a Certificate II in Retail or Business, and provides pathways into other education and training programs.
To find out more or to enrol in the program contact Ms Shilling on 0420 362 375.
