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The Government has agreed to fund a new unit for teen parents at Makoura College in Masterton, Education Minister Trevor Mallard announced today.
There will be places for up to twenty students whose study has been disrupted due to pregnancy or childcare.
MP for Wairarapa Georgina Beyer is delighted about the new unit.
"There's obviously an immediate need for this unit with eleven students already enrolled and eight more expressing interest," Georgina Beyer said.
"It's great that Makoura College has the space available following their redevelopment project. The area also has easy access to childcare facilities and the kohanga reo.
Makoura College's interest in developing the teen parent unit arose when it was investigating niche educational initiatives as part of a schooling improvement project.
"Because the college has traditionally attracted adult students, it saw the teen parent unit as a natural extension.
"Lots of young people face barriers to ongoing education. Teen parent programmes are there to reduce these barriers by providing a range of services. Traditional academic subjects are supplemented with programmes relating to parenting, life skills and work readiness," Georgina Beyer said.
This new unit will give young parents between 14 and 19 easier access to education in the Wairarapa.
Trevor Mallard said, in the past, teen parent programmes have proved to be a successful intervention in raising the achievement of those with a significant risk of slipping through the cracks.
"Many students from this group go on to employment or further study opportunities. Support offered by the programme also encourages young parents to steer their own child's educational development in the right direction.
"Makoura College is currently finalising details of the unit's operation with the Ministry of Education. Teenage parents interested in attending the unit are encouraged to contact the college," he said.
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