The future of two pilot schemes in the west of Ireland, aimed at enabling young pregnant women and mothers to continue in full-time education, is in jeopardy unless they can secure funding, according to Galway Youth Federation (GYF).
The Young Mothers in Education project was established in the Co Galway towns of Tuam and Loughrea in September 2003 and April last, following the success of a similar project established in Galway city in 1999. The rural schemes have received funding up to now from The Irish Youth Foundation as well as smaller amounts from Co Galway VEC and from Galway County Council.
GYF is currently seeking resources to fund the three projects from the Department of Education and Science, but the scheme's project leader, Ms Eleanor Clancy, believes that if it is lucky it will receive just enough money to continue the Galway city scheme.
The Young Mothers in Education project provides vital individual support, information and grinds for pregnant women and mothers up to the age of 23, and also runs peer support groups.
A young mother from Tuam, Hayley (18), found the project has helped her a lot. She now hopes to start a graphics and advertising course in September.
"I never thought of doing anything like that before," she says.
"Meeting up with the other girls in the group has been wonderful. You realise you're not the only one," she adds.
According to Ms Clancy the continuation of these rural schemes is vital. "Young women need support to be able to remain within their own communities. It's much harder in the city when they are cut off from any family support that they have."
She also stresses the importance of these young mothers continuing in education. "If you can keep them in school, they'll have an education, and they are more likely to come off social welfare and to contribute to society," she says.