THE NEED

Each year, 1400 babies are born to teenage mothers in Toronto. This is consistently higher than in other parts of the province. Statistics indicate that in general approximately 20-25% of teen mothers will give birth to a second child within two years.

Most of these families live in poverty and isolation. One-third of the teen mothers report histories of physical and/or sexual abuse. Often they have less than a grade 10 education. Research tells us that their children are likely to continue this cycle: they are more likely to do poorly at school, become teen parents themselves, or end up in trouble with the law -- often becoming dependent on the welfare system.

Our experience informs us that assisting teen mothers to develop strong literacy skills increases their ability and willingness to create a family culture of literacy and learning, thus impacting the literacy skills of two generations. Literacy is a powerful tool and a first step in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Teen parents are a very diverse group who typically attract relatively little attention, from social and literacy institutions that will help them to reach their fullest potential. Resources, to assist their acquiring life skills, to complete their education, and to help them to succeed as parents are limited.

Our client group also often are victims of stereotyping and, sometimes, discrimination, because they fall outside social norms expected of mothers. A recent thesis studying Literature for Life reading circles noted, “…for there to be this ideal of motherhood there must also be boundaries to differentiate those who fall within normative expectations from those who do not…One of these boundaries is between married and single mothers. Another is age. Culturally, mothering is viewed to be most properly done when within the realm of adulthood and marriage, as motherhood before the age of 20 and outside marriage is viewed as problematic.” – Darisi, 2005.

With little or no support, teenage mothers are less likely to complete their education and are therefore more likely to have limited career opportunities. Data shows that many teenage mothers are less likely to have adequate parenting skills and are more apt to feel isolated and excluded from society.

One young mother who graduated from our program, volunteered in the community and worked in our office was named the 2003 YWCA Young Woman of Distinction. In her acceptance speech she stated, “I am living proof that teen mums, when supported, can do anything.” There are several other examples of achievement: many of our clients have moved on to college or university; several now own their own businesses.

Copyright 2008 by Literature For Life..