…the life of an abused girl who managed to overcome challenges of peer pressure, teenage pregnancy
There are hundreds of cases that pass through the hands of the officers at the Childcare and Protection Agency on a weekly basis. Each one has to be assessed and dealt with accordingly. Some cases are ongoing, others need monitoring and evaluating, while fresh ones are brought to the agency’s attention through vigilant or concerned citizens every day. Each case has its own unique outcome, and some are more worthy of remembrance than others.
Today we will highlight the life of a teenager who managed to overcome the challenges of peer pressure and teenage pregnancy to aim for a potential future of professional success.
(Please note that names have been changed to protect the real identity of ‘Jolisa’)
Jolisa was only a 13-year-old resident at a boarding school when she gave in to peer pressure and began drinking alcohol. Having been brought up in a quiet hinterland village, she had not received much guidance or nurturing from her family, so she was unaware that her actions could have grave consequences to her health and well-being.
One night, her drunken state left her vulnerable, and a man she knew took advantage of her. She was not only a victim of statutory rape, but her perpetrator was guilty of having sex with a minor, and he fled the vicinity, never to be heard from again.
After some intense investigation, the Police concluded he may have fled to a mining backdam or to neighbouring Venezuela.
Unfortunately for Jolisa, her first sexual encounter would change her life forever, transitioning her from childhood to motherhood.
Sometimes mistakes can destroy us; but, as individuals, we can either crumble under a troubled foundation or climb for higher ground in a quest to construct a better life. And so the slightly build adolescent embraced her pregnancy, but never gave up hope of building a better future.
With strong support from her parents, she was able to endure the rough effects of a teenage pregnancy to take advantage of new opportunities which were to come her way through the assistance of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA).
Miss Bess, a Probation and Social Services Officer at the CPA, was assigned to Jolisa’s case, and she was touched by Jolisa’s outlook on life. She marvelled at Jolisa’s diminutive stature that seemed too tiny and weak to carry the weight of a baby, but was enthused by Jolisa’s plans for the future.
Jolisa’s parents were always supportive of their daughter, and as a family they had several sessions with Miss Bess, wherein they outlined their concerns and continued support for the life they hoped their daughter could still achieve.
Miss Bess said, “The encouragement and backing shown by Jolisa’s parents gave me an additional drive to work assiduously to help Jolisa achieve the better life she and her parents were aiming for.”
It was during a CPA session, while providing psychosocial support to the family, that Jolisa expressed an interest in furthering her education.
Months went by, and eventually Jolisa gave birth to a healthy baby, which she nurtured for a while before allowing her parents to take the infant back to the hinterland. Jolisa stayed in state care with a single mission in mind, and that was to complete her secondary education.
With support from the CPA, Jolisa continues to work hard at her education. She is determined to ensure she receives a sound academic education and remain empowered to conquer the challenges of her childhood.
Miss Bess brings us up to date: “She’s been doing very well at school. She either gets first or second place, and usually well over 80 per cent. The last term, it was 80-plus, and she placed second. She is a pleasant and contented person, who adheres to the rules. She is respectful and displays good manners always.”
With such encouraging grades, Jolisa, now a fifth form student, is aiming for a scholarship. She has in mind to become a professionally certified Mechanical Engineer through the University of Guyana.
Miss Bess says, “The working relationship that CPA has built with the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs is likely to make her dreams come true, and a scholarship to the University of Guyana could well become a reality once she keeps up her grades”.
Officer Bess praised Jolisa’s parents for having the foresight to support their daughter, and for helping to assist her to aim for a brighter future. “I urge more parents of delinquent teenagers to do the same: step forward and help your children. When children are in trouble, that is when they need their families the most,” she said.
Parental support and involvement are important to enable young people to rise above unsavoury circumstances. Statistics prove that when parents are involved in a positive way, there’s a much better chance of a good outcome.
Miss Bess says, “When children are convinced that their parents or family members do not care about them, they tend to act out, and can be disruptive. Some parents don’t call or visit when their child is in care. They don’t send anything for him/her, and this can make the child feel frustrated and lonely. Once parents are active in their child’s life, or they show an interest, we tend to see more positive, happy children.”
If you know of a child who is presently living in a children’s home, maybe you can offer him/her some support, or give that child some attention and encouragement.
Get involved with children; show them that you care. (Above article submitted by CPA for publication in recognition of Child Protection Week)
