http://www.thenational.com.pg/022409/nation6.php
THE number of pregnancies at the University of Vudal has dropped dramatically since 2004, from an average of 20 students per year to only four.
The university credits this to its tough stance against pregnancy in all its campuses, thereby continuing to ensure that female students take responsibility for their education.
Its pregnancy policy, which states that students found to be pregnant at registration must withdraw from studies, has been in effect since 2004.
University clinic sister-in-charge Nancy Galoko called the drop in the number of pregnancies a huge reduction, adding that it proves that this policy is a good one.
It teaches the majority of female students to act responsibly in order to complete their studies successfully, Sr Galoko said.
With the policy, female students could avoid unplanned pregnancies, abortions, early marriages and social problems on campus, she said.
This is good because they are not yet ready for these types of commitment, responsibilities and obligations, she said.
Sr Galoko, who is also
an HIV/AIDS counsellor, said with the increasing number of people living with HIV and AIDS, the policy also encouraged students to delay having sexual relations, thus keeping them safe from the disease.
As a practical (field-based) university, other factors that were taken into consideration when drawing up the policy included:
*The health of the student;
*The health of the foetus/infant/child;
*The mental and psychological stress on the expectant mother;
*The divided attention on academic and motherhood responsibilities;
*The universitys responsibility to educate responsible citizens;
*The image of the university when students are on field attachments; and
*The loss of scholarships, particularly NZAID under its women in agriculture programme.
All female students take a pregnancy test during registration as part of their general medical checkup.
Those found to be pregnant are given seven days to withdraw from their studies.
Vudal also has has rules and regulations that prohibit students drinking or having alcohol.