Triumphing Against the Odds as a Teen Mom: Laureen's Story
In 2017, 16-year-old Laureen faced a challenging situation. Pregnant and unable to continue her education due to her father's illness and financial constraints, she felt her future slipping away. "I was on the verge of giving up," Laureen recalls, "things at home were hard with my father being sick, and I was going to be a single mother. I felt as if my life was ending, and all my dreams were cut short."
When her daughter was three months old, Laureen heard about RefuSHE from a friend and decided to seek help. Upon her arrival on campus, our case management team assessed her situation and enrolled her in the Girls Empowerment Program (GEP). The impact was immediate, and she recounts "At RefuSHE, it was the first time I heard someone tell me that being a young mother did not mean an end to everything I wanted to become. They encouraged me to resume school where I had left off."
“At RefuSHE, it was the first time I heard someone tell me that being a young mother did not mean an end to everything I wanted to become. They encouraged me to resume school where I had left off.”
Determined to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer, Laureen made the bold decision to continue her formal education rather than opting for vocational training in tailoring, which was also available to her. She completed her primary education and is now pursuing her high school studies, with her final examination scheduled for later this year. Laureen describes this journey as both challenging and rewarding. "Studying as a young mother has not been easy, but I always motivate myself because I know it will pay off one day," she shares.
The transition was particularly difficult during Form 1. "Going to boarding school and leaving my daughter behind troubled me a lot. I would hear her cries in my head. But when she moved in with my sister, I felt at ease and could focus on being a student."
Since joining Form 1, Laureen has excelled, taking on leadership roles as a dorm and entertainment prefect. "I've learned that leadership comes with responsibility. Everyone is watching you," she reflects. Laureen has also maintained a strong academic record, driven by her daughter's future. "My daughter is my biggest motivation. I'm both her mother and father. If I don't take my education seriously, her future will be at risk."
“My daughter is my biggest motivation. I’m both her mother and father. If I don’t take my education seriously, her future will be at risk.”
Laureen's aspirations extend beyond her current achievements. While she dreams of traveling the world with her daughter, her primary focus remains on completing her education and pursuing a career in law. "I want to be a lawyer advocating for girls' rights. I want to be their voice," she states with determination.
Reflecting on her journey, Laureen acknowledges the pivotal role RefuSHE has played in her life. "I was at my lowest point when RefuSHE found me. But today, my daughter is in school, and our lives have significantly improved," she shares, emphasizing the impact on both her and her child's future.