Escola de Maes (Mothers' School)

The School of Mothers (Escola de Mães) is a project by the institution Ajuda de Mãe, established in 2007 to monitor pregnant women and adolescent mothers. Its primary goal is to prevent early school leaving by integrating these young women into Distance Learning while promoting healthy parenting.

Key highlights from the 2025 Report include:

Core Objectives

•  Educational Integration: Providing schooling through a Distance Learning model in partnership with the Fonseca Benevides Secondary School.

•  Parental Support: Allowing babies to stay in the "Baby Room" so mothers can attend classes while remaining close to their children to develop a healthy mother-child relationship. 

•  Skill Development: Promoting the acquisition of baby care knowledge and the personal and social growth of the adolescents.

   

Academic Success (2024/2025)

•  Enrollment: The program supported 10 students ranging from 14 to 18 years old. 

• Performance: There were no dropouts; 9 students successfully transitioned to the next grade, and only one was retained.

•  Outcomes: Students were subsequently referred to various paths, including technical vocational education, face-to-face teaching, or continued distance learning.

   

"Free Time" Project

During school breaks, the project organizes activities to develop social and parental skills:

•  Carnival & Easter: Included intergenerational parties, cybersecurity sessions, baby massage workshops, and pediatric Basic Life Support (BLS) training.

•  Summer: Featured visits to the Badoca Safari Park, family planning sessions, beach days, and swimming lessons.

   

Future Improvements

The report suggests enhancing the project by promoting closer proximity between students and teachers, introducing tutors for individualized follow-up, and encouraging more physical exercise to improve self-esteem.

• SCHOOL_OF_MOTHERS.pdf (PDF)