The education of the Island?s young mothers will continue with Finance Minister Paula Cox announcing a grant of $204,000 for the Teen Services programme.

Two years ago the scheme was threatened with closure due to a lack of funding.

Head of Teen Services, Michelle Johnson told : ?This is news to me but if that figure is so, I am quite pleased. We are working as a team to make sure young mothers are educated. I am looking forward to continuing to work with The Ministry of Education.?

When asked if she felt the figure was satisfactory she said: ?I do not want to comment on the figure until I see a breakdown of the grant. I am just glad they continue to put us in the Budget.

?Since 2002 we have negotiated with The Ministry of Education and received help from them. We are in a better predicament now. Although it is still a struggle it is better than it was.?

The Ministry of Health gives an annual grant of about $380,000 and an additional $204,000 for this year comes out of The Ministry of Education for the school programme.

?The school programme costs about $250,000 with three teachers. The total costs of Teen Services including the school, counselling, and all our outreach programmes cost over $700,000? said Ms Johnson.

Delivering her Budget statement yesterday, Ms Cox said: ?For the first time, a specific amount of $204,000 has been provided for Teen Services to ensure adequate funding is available for a number of students who wish to continue their education during the course of pregnancy through the assistance of Teen Services.?

The Minister of Education Terry Lister said: ?With Teen Services we want to make sure that every person is given the opportunity to move forward.?