This month, TPEP focused on the importance of education and literacy.
Session: “Starting Off Right: Language & Literacy”
This session helped participants understand not only the importance of education but also the role of language and literacy in early childhood development. Facilitator and HBP Board member Dr. Martine Elie (Chief Clinical Coordinator, Howard University Speech and Hearing Clinic, Washington, D.C.) explained how babies’ minds can be stimulated even in the womb. Teens also learned language facilitation strategies they can implement at home and in the community to help their children’s speech, language, literacy and reading skills.
TPEP Movie Night
Teens viewed and discussed Waiting for Superman (2010), a documentary which explores the tragic ways in which the American public education system is failing our nation’s children and addresses the roles that charter schools and education reformers could play in offering hope for the future. Every day, students drop out of public schools. American science and math scores are falling. Schools are forced to close due to lack of funding. What we don’t see are the names and faces of the children whose entire futures are at stake due to our own inability to enact change. There was a time when the American public education system was a model admired by the entire world. Today, other countries are surpassing us in every respect. Bianca, Emily, Anthony, Daisy, and Francisco are five students who deserve better. By investigating how the current system is actually obstructing their education instead of bolstering it, the film opens the door to considering possible options for transformation and improvement.
Annual TPEP Halloween Party
In this safe yet “fearfully fun” environment, both teens and children were encouraged to wear costumes to compete for prizes. Music, dancing, lots of candy and delicious food rounded out the boo-tiful event.
Opportunities to participate in TPEP
Because TPEP participants are in varying stages of pregnancy and may go on maternity leave during the course of the program, TPEP operates on rolling admissions. Potential participants can enter the program at any time. However, applicants must first complete the program registration form and a confidential orientation interview. HBP welcomes walk-in applicants on Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 1-5 PM.
If you know a pregnant District resident age 12-21, encourage her to learn more about the Teen Parent Empowerment Program.