Pregnant at 15 years old, dancehall artiste Pamputtae recalls the uncertainty that plagued her mind at the time. How was she going to provide for a child? Would she be able to sustain a newborn and herself? Would the child end up suffering if she couldn’t make ends meet? With very few options presenting a solution that would work in the best interest of herself and her unborn child, the entertainer found herself a ward at the Women’s Centre.

The centre provided the then teen with the care and support she needed to successfully navigate that daunting period of her life and set the foundation for the woman that she is today. It’s the reason why the entertainer and philanthropist always tries to give back to the centre whenever she can.

“My team and I have always had a passion for giving back to the Women’s Centre as I was once a student there. At the age of 15, I became pregnant and that place was my support,” she told OBSERVER ONLINE.

Pamputtae, who now spearheads a non-profit organisation dubbed the Single Mothers Foundation, last week donated several items to the Women’s Centre including baby strollers, diapers and other necessities for mothers and babies.

“Some of these young women were raped, others made mistakes. They need as much love, care and attention as they can get and I want to continue giving them that as long as I can,” she said. “I know what it feels like to be pregnant and not know whether you will be able to give your baby everything he/she needs so if I can help make it easier for someone else, I always will.”

Pamputtae, who took her older son along with her for the handing over of the items, said she wants to set a good example for her children. She said she wants them to understand the importance of giving back while soaking in the feeling one gets from making another happy.

“The girls and the people here who help to take care of them were so happy and grateful to receive the items, it made me feel so good inside. I wanted my oldest son to share that moment with me because as a mom, I see myself as a role model as well so I want my kids to know these are examples they should follow,” she said.

Pamputtae went on to highlight that although she funds a huge part of her philanthropic efforts out of pocket, she has a few sponsors who have always supported her charitable initiatives.

“Contract Consulting Jamaica Ltd, RTA Biz Shipping, Sunshine Snacks, Clickaway, Popup Events Jamaica, Don Mafia Music, ECmake up Bar and Code Ultimate, I want to thank them for their donations,” she said highlighting that she’s in the process of getting more sponsors on board.

“Currently, our project manager and one of our directors, Miss Alicia-Ann Carpio Roxborough along with myself are working on collaborating with more corporate sponsors as well as partnering with other organisations to do even more for the Women’s Centre. This is the first of a series of donations that we will be making throughout the year.”