First Lady counsels schoolgirls

Dar es Salaam. First Lady Salma Kikwete has urged schoolgirls in the country to focus on their studies and  shun temptations that could stop them from attaining their goals in life.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Unicef-funded reproductive health education for adolescents workshop on Saturday at Wama Nakayama Secondary School in Rufiji District, Mrs Kikwete told the girls to be patient and wait for their right time.

“He will tell you that he sees only you in his dreams, but when he impregnates you he will vanish, not to be seen again… Don’t rush things, there is never too late in this world, we were all like you some time ago but we managed to stay focused and here we are,” she said.

Mrs Kikwete expressed her deep regrets whenever she hears that pregnancy cases are found in the school.

Her foundation Women and Development (Wama) is running the school, and since 2010 they have been admitting girls from difficult background and provide them with full scholarship.

About five cases of pregnancy have been discovered in the school since its establishment, the last one earlier in this year from a form one student who conceived before joining the school.

“This is what some of us can afford to do, bring you here and offer you with quality education. It remains with you to make full use of it, and you shouldn’t let go of it. Your families and country needs your services, pull up your socks and take your rightful positions in the society when you finish with your education,” she said.