AS A 16-YEAR-OLD with a new baby to take care of, Claudia Lopez felt overwhelmed but she knew one thing for certain: she wanted to get a good education so she could provide for her daughter.
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Now aged 37, she is being recognised for her work with young mums in the ACT through the National Child Protection Week's Play Your Part awards.
The Chisholm mother of three works for the YWCA in Canberra and is being honoured for creating the Steps and Return to Work programs for young mums.
''Steps is aimed at personal health, well-being and social connectedness,'' she said. ''The other program is about educating young mothers to get into the workforce or further training and education.
''I was a young mum and I understand what they are going through. I think the number one thing they need to have is an education. I went to university and it really helped me get through a lot of issues.''
Mrs Lopez said she had the support of her partner, now her husband, and her family but she met a lot of obstacles on her way.
''I think one of the hardest things for me was the perceptions society has about young mothers not wanting an education or a job and thinking they don't really care about their child,'' she said.
''I felt society was against me.
''It was hard to find groups that were helpful, I tried to go to a parenting group and it was really difficult because all the mums were 30-plus and tended to look down on me. It was a lot harder than it is now. That's why this issue is so close to my heart.''
Today marks the launch of the National Child Protection Week for 2012 and Governor-General Quentin Bryce has encouraged all Australians to get involved.
