Adolescent mothers can now experience virtual learning
Published:Wednesday | December 5, 2018 | 12:00 AMCarlene Davis/Gleaner Writer
Absenteeism among adolescent mothers has always been a concern for the Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF). However, with the introduction of virtual classes, this issue could become a thing of the past.
The WCJF Virtual CSEC programme, funded by the Rotary e-Club of the Caribbean to the tune of US$5,000, was launched in Kingston last week and will allow adolescent mothers at the centre to attend their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) classes, virtually.
"The Women's Centre recognises the importance of keeping up with this digital revolution. We welcome any change that can help ensure our girls are able to complete CSEC," said Executive Director Dr Zoe Simpson.
The students were introduced to the platform and had a chance to access the online content through the WCJF website.
"A great benefit for this programme is that girls will be able to access CSEC course content from home. Many girls are absent from class due to sickness because of pregnancy or because they have to tend to their babies. This virtual programme will help reduce the rate of absenteeism among our CSEC students," said Georgianna Hill, CSEC coordinator at the WCJF.
As the adoption of e-Learning continues to rise across the globe, it was always a concern at the centre that the traditional chalkboard learning method was slowly being replaced with a simple, easy, and more effective method, which is the virtual classroom. In Jamaica, most post-secondary and some secondary institutions are already offering an online learning option to their students.
"As the Rotary e-Club of the Caribbean 7020, it is our privilege to partner with the Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation in providing a virtual classroom for enrolled adoles-cent mothers to be able to advance their education and not have to leave their babies and communities, especially for those who live in rural areas. We are so proud to have worked with Dr Zoe Simpson and her team to make this a reality in providing a channel to allow continued studies in CSEC for a brighter future for these young ladies," said past president of the Rotary e-Club of the Caribbean Lesli Prendergast.