Motherhood has been at the centre of heated US debate - this school shows how it's reshaping lives.
By Angelica CasasAt the end of a year in which motherhood has been at the centre of impassioned debate in the US, a school in Texas for teenage mothers shows how young lives are being supported - and reshaped.The soon-to-be 15-year-old couldn't explain why her appetite had seemed to grow so much.But Helen had also been moody and would easily find herself picking fights with family and friends. Then her period was late.
Speaking to the BBC between classes this June, Helen still looked every inch the shy, dark-eyed teenager she was in her black T-shirt and pale pink shorts. The school buses that transport some of the students all have car seats for their babies. In the mornings, students can pick up breakfast for themselves and for their child. Their babies can attend the school daycare free-of-charge.The students are allowed excused absences for their children's doctor's appointments. In one classroom, the science teacher has a tall wardrobe in the corner of the room with baby clothes for the mothers who might need them.
As many as 58% of Texas public schools teach abstinence-only sex education, and 25% do not teach it at all, according to the liberal Texas Freedom Network, a religious and community leaders' group. Helen had early on in her pregnancy considered abortion or giving her daughter up for adoption. Her mother said she would support whatever decision she took."My baby is the best thing that happened to me," Helen said. Jenine, an active infant cared for at the daycare, wears a big different coloured bow around her head each day that matches her outfit. "I have the love of my life in my hands, she's everything for me," her mother said.
At lunchtime, Alexis and three other students take turns sharing photos of their young children. One had just started walking and another had got a new haircut.Ms Cardenas, who joins the girls at lunch most days, walked over to the group. Since most are one year away from graduating, she asks them if they have taken their college entrance exams.
She has had students reach out after they have been kicked out of their homes and others who have suggested wanting to drop out of school to work full-time and provide for their child."They don't know how to raise a baby sometimes," Ms Cardenas said. "We hold their futures in our hands as educators. We have to do this the right way.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
RedRaiderSports - Staff Predictions: Will Texas Tech capture eighth win at Texas Bowl?
Read more »
Texas Tech riding high into Texas BowlFirst-year coach Joey McGuire has Texas Tech on a roll with three straight wins and a...
Read more »
Mississippi vs. Texas Tech: Five things to watch in Texas BowlWhat to keep an eye on when Texas Tech and Mississippi face off in the Texas Bowl on...
Read more »
Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss prediction: Our pick for the Texas Bowl todayThe underdog worth betting in the Texas Bowl tonight.
Read more »
NRG Stadium hosts 2022 Tax Act Texas Bowl, college football fans welcome Texas Tech, Ole MissIt's Houston's biggest college football event, and two proud, high-profile brands will help pack NRG Stadium for the 2022 Tax Act Texas Bowl.
Read more »
Ole Miss faces Texas Tech in Texas Bowl, looking to end skidThe Red Raiders will have to figure out how to stop the Rebels' powerful rushing attack, which ranks third in the nation and is led by star freshman Quinshon Judkins and Zach Evans.
Read more »