More often than not, they drop out of school for failure to cope with the physical demands of schoolwork, or are embarrassed for being pregnant at such a tender age and unmarried, observed Dr. Jocelyn de Jesus of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Baguio City.
But to encourage continuing education even during pregnancy, de Jesus said one intervention by the DepEd is implementing a home study program. The Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) was chosen as pilot school for the effective, alternative secondary education training.
The home study program ensures continuing education even without going to school during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Parents and affected children also undergo counseling to cope with demands of having responsibility as a parent. (RO)
