Asenath Andrews
"Asenath Andrew"
Asenath Andrews is principal of the Catherine Ferguson Academy in Detroit - an institute for middle and high school students who are pregnant or are parents. Created in response to studies which show that the majority of teenage mothers drop out of school due to lack of childcare assistance, this institute provides on-site child care while mothers, and some fathers, continue their education. Begun in 1985 the Academy has expanded to provide nursery units to serve over 200 children who range in age from 2 weeks to 4 years old. Working to develop individuals who are well-rounded and in touch with the world around them, Ms. Andrews coordinates mother-child field trips, and she has developed a number of work-study programs for the students of the Academy.
“We work hard to build their self-esteem. These kids have amazing brains, something they don’t know. I will tell them, ‘Did you know you were smart? Did you know you were amazing?’ Sometimes what I hear back is ‘Oh, you mean me?’ I want them to know how far they can fly.”
