We at Our Future Foundation- call upon the NSW Government to take action to support teenage mothers by ensuring that all public high schools in New South Wales provide mother-friendly facilities and adequate support services.

Teenage pregnancy is a reality for many young women in NSW. These young mothers face a range of challenges in continuing their education while caring for their children, often without the required support. Education is a fundamental right, and no student should have to choose between their role as a mother and their future opportunities.

Currently, many schools lack essential facilities and programs, such as:

 • Onsite childcare or feeding rooms.

 • Mental health and counselling support tailored to young mothers.

Without these resources, teenage mothers are at risk of dropping out of school, which impacts their long-term career prospects, financial independence, and overall well-being.

Our Demands:

We urge the NSW Government to implement the following 3 measures in all public schools:

 1. Mother-Friendly Facilities: Establish dedicated rooms for feeding and baby care, equipped with the necessary supplies.

 2. Onsite Childcare Options: Provide or partner with childcare services to enable young mothers to attend school without worry.

 3. Counselling and Support Services: Provide school counsellors with specified understanding and skills to support teenage mothers in managing their education and parenting responsibilities.

Why this matters and why you should care:

These changes will not only empower teenage mothers to complete their education but also send a clear message that every student in NSW is valued and supported, regardless of their personal circumstances. With the proper infrastructure and support, teenage mothers can build better futures for themselves and their children.

Call to Action:

We ask the Minister for Education to prioritise the needs of young mothers by ensuring all public high schools in NSW are equipped with the facilities and resources necessary to support them.

Let us create an environment in our schools where young mothers are empowered to achieve their educational goals while raising the next generation.

Sincerely,

Our Future Foundation