Minister of Community, Culture and Sports Wayne Scott today launched the National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Campaign — an attempt to increase public awareness of teen pregnancy.

The campaign was kicked off at the Teen Services headquarters at Fort Hamilton where Mr. Scott read a proclamation.

Since 1998, Teen Services has joined forces with agencies worldwide to recognise May as Teen Pregnancy Prevention month.

“The ultimate aim of the campaign is to help young people make wise choices and in return reduce the rate of teen pregnancy,” said a press statement.

“Teen Services is a local registered charity that provides comprehensive services to at-risk females, including pregnant teens and teen mothers. The programme offers counselling, community prevention-focused outreach services, transitional housing and the Outstanding Teen Awards.

“Teen Services has a long history in addressing the needs of Bermuda’s at-risk girls.

“Countless young people have transformed themselves from dropping out of school, being pregnant, and/or being homeless to gaining meaningful life experiences, such as completing high school, receiving a college education, housing, and employment. More importantly, those clients who were mothers were able to establish a safe and stable environment for their children.”

Currently Teen Services works with several schools, including CedarBridge Academy, Berkeley Institute, Dellwood Middle School TN Tatem and Sandys Middle School.

The organisation “recognises that provision of comprehensive support services for at-risk young girls and women is paramount, as girls become mothers, who are responsible for raising the next generation of youth.

“Research shows that leaving issues unaddressed among at-risk girls perpetuates a continuous, viscous cycle of academic failure, teen pregnancy, gang violence, and drug abuse.

“Teen Services invites the community to get involved in raising awareness on prevention of teen pregnancy. Anyone that is interested in getting more involved as a sponsor, or as a volunteer, should contact us at 292-4598 or at teenservices@northrock.bm”