Programme For Adolescent Mothers

The Programme for Adolescent Mothers (PAM) is the core function of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation.

The first of its kind in the Caribbean, PAM is designed to provide pregnant teens, 19 years and younger with a non-judgemental, supportive environment to continue their education during the period of their pregnancy. Each student is provided with breakfast and lunch each school day and there is a nursery available for the student’s babies – both of which are at no cost.

PAM meets each student at their educational levels.

With a cadre of qualified teachers, adolescent mothers can continue her educational preparation for Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC), Grade Nine Achievement Test (GNAT) AND City and Guilds, exam at any one of THE Foundation’s 10 centres. Students who require the support of a Specialist Educator are also accommodated. 

Adolescent mothers are not required to enrol in the Programme for Adolescent Mothers – PAM is optional and non-residential.

Fees and Uniform

Students are expected to pay a onetime administrative fee of $8,000.00 for CSEC students and $5,000.00 for all other students.

All students are expected to wear a special uniform and are responsible for all costs associated with external exams, practical assessments and textbooks. 

CSEC Programme

CXC classes are offered at all sites across the island.

Adolescent mothers who are 16 years and older, have completed grade 10 at her previous school, have been recommended to sit CSEC exams, and who are willing to take at least 3 subjects in one sitting are strongly encouraged to participate in the CSEC Programme.We currently offer the following subjects as part of the CSEC programme:

  • Mathematics
  • English
  • Social Studies
  • Office Administration
  • Principles of Business
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Home Management
  • Human and Social Biology
  • Information Technology

Yearly, a mandatory residential CSEC Marathon Camp for students across island is hosted at the Corporate Office. External CSEC examinations are only done the Kingston Centre, which is a registered examination site.

Vocational Training

Students who express an interest in vocational areas are accommodated in the PAM.

Under our Earn as You Learn Project, students are trained in Makeup Artistry, hair braiding, nail technology and soap making. They are also exposed to the basic business principles that will help them to start and operate their own enterprise.

Day Nursery

Each Centre has a day nursery where the adolescent mothers leave their babies while they attend classes.

The Early Childhood Curriculum 0 to three is executed by a team of highly trained, qualified childcare practitioners.

Students are given supervised breaks to tend to their babies. Caregivers ensure that the young mothers hold, breastfeed and stimulate their babies according to acceptable standards.  The daycare facility is offered free of charge.