The Masters in Social Work students of St Edmund’s College, who are placed under Mawlai block for fieldwork, organised an awareness programme on the ‘Impact and Prevention of Teen Pregnancy’ at Umphrew Secondary School, Umphrew village on Friday.
The event was organized with the objective to create awareness among the students regarding the consequences of teenage pregnancy and to motivate them to concentrate and do well in their studies.
Speakers on this day include the Doctor of Mawsiatkhnam PHC Dr A Lyngdoh, village head D Sohshang, secretary shnong Fanwell Langstieh, school Principal Enistran Nongsiej, ASHA worker Siianda Kharshiing, faculty supervisor of St Edmund’s Wandaia Syngkon and the Agency Supervisor of Mawlai block Derrick Marpna.
Dr Lyngdoh highlighted that the main reason why teenage boys and girls fall into the temptation of early marriage and teenage pregnancy is that no one has spoken or made them aware of this issue. She explained the negative impact of social media that has a bad influence on the lives of teenagers and told the youngsters that teenage pregnancy carries a high risk of high blood pressure and anaemia and that babies of teenage mothers are at higher risk of low birth weight, premature birth and severe neonatal conditions.
The doctor further stated that men and boys are also involved and equally responsible in this matter.
Teenage pregnancy impacts both boys and girls, especially girls who get pregnant very young, is very risky because their bones are still very small and soft and, when giving birth, it becomes very difficult to find a way to give birth. One should not be ashamed of talking about the prevention of teenage pregnancy because it is a very important issue to be addressed in today’s generation, she further commented.
Encouraging and motivating words were also delivered to the students of the school by the Agency supervisor who encouraged the students of the school to work hard and do well in their studies. He also highlighted the effects of teenage pregnancy.
Twenty-six students from Classes 5 to 9 participated in the programme. As part of it, the MSW students also performed a role-play to educate the students about the causes and effects of teenage pregnancy.
