UNESCO and Ebonyi Government Join Forces to Rehabilitate 38 Teenagers Affected by Early Pregnancy

UNESCO and Ebonyi State Government Partner to Reintegrate Out-of-School Teenagers Who Became Pregnant. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in collaboration with the Ebonyi State government, is working to reintegrate 38 out-of-school teenagers who became pregnant during their junior secondary school years.

The state Master Trainer, Mrs. Elizabeth Okereke, revealed this initiative during the Women August meeting at Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu Council Headquarters. She noted that these teenagers come from the local government areas of Abakaliki, Ikwo, and Ohaukwu.

Okereke emphasized the importance of open communication between parents and their children, particularly young girls. She highlighted that poor communication is a significant factor contributing to early pregnancies among teenagers.

“Our focus is on improving the parent-child relationship, which is our second project in Ebonyi State,” Okereke said. “From our previous project, we learned that many of these teenagers faced challenges because of inadequate communication with their parents.”

She urged parents to report any teenagers who became pregnant before completing their Junior Secondary School 3 exams. The goal is to reintegrate these teenagers into the education system, with plans to ensure they resume school in September.

“Failing to return to school could lead to long-term poverty for these individuals and a broader impact on society,” Okereke warned.