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- Rays of Hope Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has a support group for young mothers in Johannesburg.
- The Young Moms' Support Group provides work readiness opportunities and counselling for mothers under 20.
- The organisation also donates baby clothes, toys and food to mothers in need.
Rays of Hope Foundation, a non-profit organisation, is giving young women in Alexandra, Johannesburg, a second chance.
In March, they started a support group for teen mothers.
"I felt that young moms were a neglected group," programmes manager Bertha Maringi told News24.
Through the Young Moms' Support Group, new mums receive mentorship.
"We teach them how to be good mothers. How to take care of their children and breastfeed. We teach them about goal setting and how to refocus their lives – so they can achieve whatever," Maringi said.
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The initiative offers counselling as well as work readiness programmes. They also provide internship and volunteering opportunities.
Maringi added:
'Being a mother is so nice but difficult at the same time'
When 17-year-old Sarah Chauke fell pregnant, she was scared and uncertain of her future.
"I fell pregnant when I was 15... at school, people were laughing at me."
She worried that she would disappoint her family.
"Being a mother is nice but difficult at the same time. After school, I still have to go home and look after my daughter, do my homework and assignments and still do chores," she said.
However, since joining Rays of Hope's support group, she can manage her responsibilities better.
She's even back at school, and she is excelling.
"My goals are to finish my studies and graduate. I want to own my business. I want... [to] become the first one in my family to become something," she said.
'Since coming here, my attitude and outlook on being a young mom has changed'
Awongiwe Ngcobo recently dropped out of tertiary school after falling pregnant in March.
"In the beginning, when I needed help, my family was judgemental, telling me that if I didn't get pregnant, things would be easier and better," Ngcobo said.
After hearing positive feedback from the other women, the unemployed mother joined the support group.
"Since coming here, my attitude and outlook on being a young mom has changed. I have learned goal setting, having faith in my abilities."
Ngcobo is now determined to finish her studies.
"I want to give my child a better life than the one I did, like a family with her mom and dad and doesn't have to worry about money and her needs or wants being met," she said.
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