Canadian supermodel and PUMA ambassador Winnie Harlow recently teamed up with the brand to provide support to Jamaican teen mothers through the Women’s Centre Foundation of Jamaica’s program for adolescent mothers.
Harlow, who is of Jamaican descent, partnered with PUMA to donate US$20,000 to the program during a visit to the Savanna-la-Mar Women’s Centre (SWC). PUMA also presented 20 adolescent mothers with activewear.
The program was established in 1978 in response to a high level of teenage pregnancy in Jamaica at the time. The foundation presently operates under the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.
Under the program, girls who have dropped out of school due to pregnancy are allowed to continue their education at the women’s centers nearest to them for at least one term and are subsequently returned to the formal school system after the birth of their babies.
WCFJ has 10 main centers and four output stations across Jamaica — including the SWC. Harlow said she chose SWC to make her presentation in honor of her father, Windsor Young, who was born in Westmoreland.
“I wanted to give back to somewhere in my father’s community. Without Savanalamar Westmoreland, he wouldn’t be here and I wouldn’t either. I see so much of myself in these young ladies,” she wrote in a post on Instagram.
“I was raised mostly by my mother. I think it’s important to honour and empower women. Thank you @Puma for helping me donate $20k USD to further the amazing work at the Center. These young women and their babies are our future,” she wrote.
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The donation, which will benefit all the centers, will cover the cost of tuition, school supplies, and supplies for babies of the teen mothers, along with other needs that arise.
During Harlow’s visit, there was also an announcement that PUMA plans to do a documentary on the WCFJ’s efforts to curb teen pregnancy in Jamaica.
The documentary will be directed by veteran journalist and British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) broadcaster Laura Trevelyan, who has volunteered her services.
