Young mums thank axed program

A program that helped pave the way to employment and tertiary study for more than 40 young Kwinana mothers will come to an end this year.

The Gilmore Creche and Parenting Support Program was one of five programs funded in the area through the Federal Government's Department of Human Services Better Futures Local Solutions initiative, aimed at building stronger communities.

Project administrator Christina Macaulay said the goal of the trial was to encourage young parents on a pathway to employment through education.

Gilmore College, Challenger Institute of Technology, Bridging the Gap and SMYL Community Services joined forces to help the young mothers on their journeys.

Meerilinga Children's Services was later granted funding to provide a creche for the mothers while they studied.

Ms Macaulay said since 2012, 43 young parents aged up to 23 had enrolled and of the 2014 cohort, five mums had gained employment, four had gone on to further vocational studies and four to university.

"It has grown from strength to strength and we are all feeling a little bit sad it is coming to an end," she said.

"I'm so proud of all the young women who made the commitment to study and have gone through the program and come out the other side."

Two success stories from the 2012 program are Kwinana mothers Jenna Holt, 24, and Jaarn Baynes, 23.

Pregnant at 15, Ms Holt said she suffered from depression for a long time and did not think she would get anywhere in life until she joined the group.

She said the program gave her the support, confidence and courage to complete the certificates she needed to become a special needs teacher's assistant.

"My son is eight now and he has seen me go back to school and he's seen how hard I have worked and now it is paying off," she said.

"I'm fulfilling my dreams. There is no way I would have done it if it wasn't for this group."

Ms Baynes, who left high school at 17 pregnant with her first son, said she was stuck "in a bit of a funk" and did not know what to do.

"When I saw the program was available I jumped at the chance because I wanted to finish my education and get somewhere for myself and for my son," she said.

"It was good to have support from other young women who were in the same situation and were trying to better themselves."

Ms Baynes is now studying nursing at Murdoch University and encouraged other young mothers to chase their dreams.

"Don't think that because you're a mum it's over," she said.

"You can fulfil your dreams as well, but it won't work if you don't want to do it."

SMYL Community Services took over the program in February and Gilmore College has allowed the group to use the classroom space until the end of the year.

I'm fulfilling my dream. There is no way I would have done it if it wasn't for this group. Jenna Holt