‘You all have a fire inside you’

Adolescent mothers at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCFJ) in St Andrew were yesterday encouraged not to give up on their dreams, but to pursue them with confidence and determination during a conversation with famed actress and director Phylicia Rashad.

Rashad, who is visiting Jamaica for Plié for the Arts’ inaugural Visionary Salon, coaxed the young mothers into sharing their aspirations before advising them of the responsibility and discipline it would take to rebuild after experiencing setbacks.

“The dreams that you’ve expressed require that you want to see your dreams realised. You don’t want it to just be a dream, you want it to be a reality. You have what it takes to make that so, you have that fire, ‘cause Jamaicans have that fire,” stated Rashad, who is revered in the United States as ‘everyone’s television mom’ for her iconic portrayal of Clair Huxtable on 1980s sitcom, The Cosby Show.

Declaring that there was “something unique” about Jamaican society, she contended that this trait already puts the girls ahead.

“You all have a fire inside you, it makes you bold, and it makes you strong,” she said.

The centre was established in 1978 to ensure adolescent mothers are able to continue their education during pregnancy, and are supported in returning to the formal school system after the birth of their babies.

Since that time, approximately 55,000 young women across Jamaica have benefited from its service, with only two per cent reporting another unplanned pregnancy.

Eighteen-year-old Treshanna Thompson, who graduated from the institution last year and is now pursuing an allied health certification in nursing at the HEART/NSTA Trust Garmex Academy, lauded the impact the facility has had on her life.

“A year ago, I’d never imagine I’d be where I’m at right now. This time last year, I was only 17-year-old with a two-month-old trying to figure out the steps,” she said in her reflection.

“This institution is not just a place to learn, but also a sanctuary of hope and transformation to which I am forever grateful for. Today I am here as a vessel to say if I can, you can too.”

Holistic approach

Outlining the A-stream initiative which was launched by the centre in 2018 to provide financial assistance to the young mothers enrolled in schools, Novlette Howell, the WCFJ executive director, underscored the centre’s holistic approach in addressing the needs of its mothers.

“At the women’s centre, you are provided with a structure, guidance and academic support at this critical stage in your life,” she said. “The Government of Jamaica will continue to invest in systems that protect your access to education, and will continue to create opportunities that broaden your perspective and expand your possibilities.”

Meanwhile, Gender Minister Olivia Grange extolled the WCJF for its track record of positively impacting young lives, and encouraged mothers to take advantage of all its services.

She also announced that the WCFJ will be offering a scholarship to the Edna Manley College of the Performing Arts to a student wanting to pursue a career in the creative industry.

“You have the responsibility to focus on your future, and to focus on your babies,” she said.

sashana.small@gleanerjm.com