Tshegofatso calls on young mothers to come forward to open Girl Pride in Polokwane
Girl Pride Africa is a non-profit organisation which helps young mothers fulfil their educational and career goals, to gain financial independence and to help them become healthy and nurturing mothers.
POLOKWANE – She was written off by people, including friends she thought had her back. 17-year-old Tshegofatso Legodi has experienced a lot in her young life.
“There’s a stigma around teenage pregnancy. When I was 15 years old, I found out I was pregnant and it was a nightmare. I was neglected, lost friends and was laughed at every time I entered the school gates. They mocked me, gossiped behind my back and I did not get support from people I trusted and loved, who played some kind of role in my life,” she explained.
You might also want to read: Helping teens avoid social ills through education
She had to grow a thick skin and tackle every challenge that came her way with courage. She saw a post on Facebook from an organisation called Girl Pride Africa. She could relate to the posts as a teenage mother herself. “I saw their posts on Facebook and it literally took me back to what I went through and the struggle of being a young mother. Not just financially, but the judgement that came from society as well,” she said.
She got hold of the founder of Girl Pride Africa, Lolah Mupotaringa, who she found to be an amazing woman with a warm heart. Girl Pride Africa is a non-profit organisation which helps young mothers fulfil their educational and career goals, to gain financial independence and to help them become healthy and nurturing mothers.
“The organisation aims to also motivate young mothers, making them feel loved and not judged. It aims to support a girl child that’s going through a tough time. I can attest that teenage parenting is the toughest task. I encourages all drop-outs to go to school and learn. This is to stop girls from depending on their boyfriends or even worse, depending on older men to support them or even selling their bodies. This is the reality and it needs to come to an end and that’s where Girl Pride Africa comes in,” she said.
Tshego explained that the organisations’ headquarters are in Cape Town and funded by Lolah Mupotaringa, who also receives donations from Mothers Helping Mothers all the way from USA. She requested to have a branch in Polokwane, assisting young mothers here. She has been given permission to do so, but first has to bring together 100 young mothers who need this kind of help to show that there really is a need for the organisation and that it will be embraced by the community.
“I appeal to young mothers up to the age of 23 to reach out. There is a lifeline, if we can come together and show solidarity and willingness to better ourselves. It is tough being a teenage mother, I know. At times I’d cry because I wouldn’t have money to buy nappies for my baby. It’s difficult,” she said.
The organisation will assist young mothers with baby needs like nappies, clothes and other essentials. They will help support these women by assisting with free childcare, holding support groups and working with each mother to help set themselves up to be able to be financially independent. “I cherish every moment I spend with my son and being there every time he achieves something new. A special thank you to my mother for the endless support, even after disappointing her, my family for staying with my son if I had schoolwork or Saturday classes and to my beautiful friends who never cease to amaze. Their love and support keeps me pushing,” she said.
Visit the Facebook page Girl Pride Africa or contact Tshegofatso Legodi at 063 729 2888.
