Session
National Report
Para 52) There is no written policy on the education of Teenage Mothers in Schools. However, pregnant teens are always given the opportunity to continue their education during pregnancy and after giving birth. Students usually continue until maybe three months before birth. Arrangements are made for them to continue their studies up until birth. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital always informs the Ministry of Education on the names of students, their expected due date and after they have delivered. After birth the QEH informs and indicates that the child is ready to return to school and the school is instructed to allow student resume schooling. The Ministry also does a social inquiry at the home to make sure that all support systems (Day care for baby, support for the teenage mother education and ongoing health care for her) are in place and facilitate as necessary. Once a year there is also a “Baby and You Workshop” for expectant and teen mothers.
State under Review
Issues
National Report
UN Compilation
UN Compilation
Para 35) CRC remained concerned at the lack of access to sexual and reproductive health information and services.
Para 38) CRC welcomed efforts made by Barbados to improve the enjoyment of the right to education; however, it was concerned at the lack of information on dropout rates among girls due to early pregnancy.
Para 40) UNESCO referred to a recommendation from the third cycle of the universal periodic review on ensuring the right of pregnant girls to remain in formal education. However, there was no evidence in legislation of provisions to ensure that girls could remain in school while pregnant or return after pregnancy. UNESCO noted that a new gender policy was in the process of being developed, though no information on its finalization and publication was available.