Mufindi District sets positive example in Tanzania’s fight against School dropout due to teenage pregnancy

Mufindi. Dropping out of school due to teenage pregnancy remains a significant issue in Tanzania, affecting thousands of girls annually and impacting their futures, families, and the nation.

However, recent initiatives in the Mufindi District of Iringa are offering hope, as they work to address these challenges and empower young mothers to rebuild their lives.

The SOS Children’s Villages Tanzania's ‘Binti Bora’ project is leading efforts to combat this issue in Mufindi District.

The initiative provides crucial support to young mothers who have left school due to pregnancy, helping them regain their footing and achieve independence.

One such beneficiary is Sarafina Yohanes Sanga, born in 1998 in Mfyome village, Iringa Region. After completing primary education in 2011, Sanga enrolled in secondary school but became pregnant while in Form Four, leading to her dropping out.

Now a mother of three, Sanga has expressed her regret over how her dreams of becoming a soldier were curtailed by early pregnancy.

She now aspires to become a successful businesswoman and credits the SOS Children’s Villages for providing the capital needed to support her family and live independently.

Sanga urges other girls to focus on their studies and avoid early relationships, emphasizing the importance of protecting oneself and waiting for the right time for significant life decisions.

Another participant, Stamili Sengo, 18, from Itasi village, Kilolo District, completed her primary education in 2019 but left secondary school in 2023 due to pregnancy.

Despite her setbacks, Sengo joined the SOS Children’s Villages program, which helped her with the tools to support herself and her son. She now sells gravel to make a living and advises current students to respect their education and avoid premature relationships.

Neema Alex Kibiki, born in 2003 in Kinyanambo village, Mufindi District, also benefitted from the ‘Binti Bora’ project. Kibiki, who completed primary school in 2016 and advanced to Form Four before becoming pregnant, has found a new path through sewing.

The SOS program provided her with a sewing machine, enabling her to support her young child and work towards her dream of becoming an artist.

On August 25, 2024, the SOS Children’s Villages handed over salon and tailoring equipment worth Sh5.2 million to fourteen young mothers in a ceremony that brought joy and hope to the recipients.

The project coordinator for Mufindi District, Benson Lwakatare, highlighted that the initiative aims to support girls who face early pregnancy challenges by offering reproductive health education and life skills training.

The project has been successful due to strong collaboration with local stakeholders and the government. It is set to reach 116 girls across six wards in Mufindi District and Mafinga Town Council.

Mufindi District Commissioner Linda Salekwa praised SOS Children’s Villages for its role in supporting government development efforts and urged the girls to value and utilize the equipment for their intended purpose.

Iringa Regional Development Officer Saida Mgeni also commended the partnership between the government and NGOs, noting that the government’s policy allowing young mothers to return to school after childbirth helps them achieve their goals despite the challenges.

As Tanzania continues to address school dropout rates due to teenage pregnancy, initiatives like ‘Binti Bora’ are crucial in offering long-term solutions.

By increasing access to reproductive education, contraceptive methods, and socio-economic support, these efforts are helping to challenge harmful cultural norms and reduce the stigma surrounding teenage pregnancies, ensuring all girls in Tanzania have the opportunity to reach their full potential.