Exploring Experiences of Pregnant and Mothering Secondary School Students in Tanzania

Abstract

The Constitution of Tanzania grants every child the right to education, yet a girl’s access to education is denied when she becomes pregnant or gives birth. This study explored the experiences of pregnant and mothering students in secondary schools and the community awareness, attitudes and perceptions toward pregnancy policy in Tanzania. It sought insights into parenting students’ challenges, coping strategies, and their suggestions on how to help teen mothers who are returning to school. One hundred respondents were selected using snowball sampling technique due the sensitivity of the matter. Data were collected and analyzed mainly through qualitative techniques. Seventy five percent of the participants were aware of the pregnancy policy and lamented on its staggering implementation. Ninety five participants (95%) acknowledged the presence of quietly struggling pregnant and mothering secondary school students due to the lack of clear policy to protect them. Coping abilities of teen mothers and pregnant learners were revealed. The education stakeholders were urged to authorize the policy soon. Further research to illustrate negative consequences of conflicting views and inconsistencies in implementing the policy were recommended

Keywords: early pregnancy, mothering students, re-admission policy, gender inequality in education.