The Circle of Love
Empowering teen moms through upskilling, mentorship, and emotional support
Published:Monday | March 10, 2025 | 12:06 AMMickalia Kington/Staff Reporter
Nonprofit organisation Empowered Resources and Solutions Limited celebrated a transformative initiative on Friday, aimed at empowering teen moms through upskilling, mentorship, and emotional support in recognition of International Women’s Day.
Takisha Sten-Barnes, founder and director of the charity, launched the Circle of Love project, in partnership with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, to equip young mothers with the necessary tools to build a brighter future for themselves and their children, despite the adversities they face.
The project offers a range of programmes, including vocational training, mentorship, and emotional support, to teen moms who encounter hardships in their daily lives.
These young mothers often grapple with social stigma, financial struggles, and limited opportunities, making it difficult to break free from generational cycles of poverty.
According to Sten-Barnes, who also serves as the project coordinator at Circle of Love, second chances play a vital role in ensuring these young women achieve success. The project offers training in key areas such as entrepreneurship, vocational skills, and financial literacy.
“Small projects, big impact. When you look at how many of these young ladies have remained in the programme for almost six months, despite challenges like Internet connectivity, it demonstrates their resilience and strength,” Sten-Barnes shared at Circle of Love’s launch at the High Commission of Canada headquarters in St Andrew on Friday.
LACK OF EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
A study conducted by Empowered Resources and Solutions Limited revealed that 72.5 per cent of teen moms expressed a lack of emotional support.
“The percentage of young mothers who lack support was alarming. Teenage pregnancy is not something we promote as a society, but the reality is that these young women are already in this situation, and they need help. Where do they go?” Sten-Barnes questioned.
“They feel stigmatised at school. They feel stigmatised at home. So where do they turn? Whom do they talk to? The isolation and lack of support create real fears that prevent them from moving forward in life.”
She further noted that many of these young women have endured traumatic experiences, leaving them feeling hopeless and even suicidal.
“Trauma often makes these young women feel trapped, fuels anxiety, and prevents them from truly living,” the advocate said.
“One of our girls was raped last December. She was already a teen mom, and then this happened. Her parents were so afraid for her safety that they didn’t want her to participate in the programme.”
Additionally, many of the young mothers are unable to attend school because they have no one to care for their children. Some are also responsible for taking care of younger siblings, which further complicates their ability to continue their education. However, Circle of Love provides a safe space where these young women can find hope and see a future for themselves.
Another aspect of the study revealed that 8.5 per cent of the young mothers came from families with a history of teenage pregnancy, indicating a generational cycle that needs to be broken.
Circle of Love does more than just provide skills – it gives these young women hope. When a young mother is able to earn an income and provide for her child, she also has the chance to pursue the dreams she had before becoming a mother.
Breaking the generational cycle of teenage pregnancies and poverty is possible when young mothers are empowered to set an example for future generations.
NEWFOUND PURPOSE
Circle of Love has already begun transforming lives.
Xeadra Ottey, one of the mentees, shared how the training programme has shaped her outlook on life and given her newfound purpose.
Speaking on behalf of the young women who participated in the programme, she said, “The programme provided us with wisdom and guidance from people who had faced their own struggles, reminding us that we are not alone in our journeys. The stories shared were not just lessons, but roadmaps for overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.”
Ottey expressed deep gratitude for the Circle of Love initiative, emphasising how it has made a meaningful difference in the lives of its participants.
Before joining the programme, Ottey had never considered the importance of budgeting and financial planning. However, the training provided her with invaluable knowledge on securing long-term financial stability.
“I have found a community of women who share similar experiences, and together we support and uplift each other. The friendships and connections I’ve made here will have a lasting impact on my personal and professional life.”
The programme, which Ottey praised, included seven online training sessions, a media and communications training, and practical classes designed to develop life skills and personal growth.
Participants engaged in subject areas tailored to their interests, helping them acquire skills that could lead to employment or entrepreneurship.
Sten-Barnes expressed a strong desire to expand the Circle of Love initiative beyond just a six-month programme. She believes these young women need ongoing mentorship, mental health support, and real opportunities to break the cycle of hardship.
“We want to expand this initiative into a job training programme where they can choose areas of interest and gain real skills,” she said.
In light of the ongoing celebration of women, the impact of Circle of Love on these young ladies’ lives is undeniable. It stands as a powerful reminder that teen moms deserve second chances.
With the right support, Circle of Love has demonstrated that these young women can succeed, become great mothers, and contribute meaningfully to society.