Teen pregnancy: Overcoming hurdles for formal education

Kisarawe. In one classroom at Jokate Mwegelo Secondary School, Eva (not her real name), a 19-year-old girl from Muleba District in Kagera Region, sits quietly, fully engaged in her lessons.

But behind her calm demeanor lies a story of resilience, determination, and the lengths to which she has gone to access education.

Eva is one of the many Tanzanian girls who became pregnant during their school years and faced the harsh reality of having to hide their identity just to continue their education.

Eva’s journey back to school wasn’t easy. In 2021, while still in Standard Seven, she became pregnant.

Like many young mothers in Tanzania, she was forced to drop out of school.

The stigma surrounding teenage pregnancy in her community was overwhelming, and Eva quickly realised that returning to school would not be simple.

The Government of Tanzania took a significant step forward in November 2021 when the ministry of Education, Science, and Technology issued the Education Circular No. 2, reversing the policy that barred teen mothers from returning to formal education.

The policy change was followed by specific guidelines issued in February 2022, aimed at helping school administrations prepare for and support these returning students.

Despite these positive changes, the reality on the ground remains challenging for many young mothers like Eva.

Eva’s story caught the attention of the public after The Citizen published an article in 2023 detailing the struggles she faced after becoming pregnant.

Her story resonated with many, including a kind-hearted government employee who decided to sponsor her education.

“After my story was published, someone came to our home in Muleba and asked to take me in as their house help.

But their real intention was to take me back to school, far from home, because the community no longer wanted me to study, even my parents,” Eva explains.

Eva was brought to Dar es Salaam with her child, but instead of working as a housemaid, she was enrolled in Jokate Mwegelo Secondary School.

“I came thinking I was going to work as a housemaid to support my child, but I was surprised when this new family arranged for me to start formal schooling,” she says, her eyes filled with gratitude.

Eva’s guardian, who wishes to remain anonymous, explains the reason behind the secrecy.

“I was moved by this girl’s story, so I followed up because I saw she had a thirst for education despite facing enormous challenges and stigma.

Currently, even the headmaster doesn’t know that Eva is the mother of a three-year-old child,” she says.

The guardian’s decision to keep Eva’s identity a secret is a reflection of the stigma that still exists in Tanzania.

Many young mothers face rejection from their communities and schools, making it difficult for them to pursue their education.

In Eva’s case, the fear of being ostracised by her peers and teachers forced her to hide her identity.

“I have been stigmatised, not only by the community, but also by those close to me.

There are many girls who are going through this but don’t have the means or the luck to escape it like I did,” Eva says.

Experts’ take

Despite the government’s efforts to encourage young mothers to return to school, the stigma surrounding teenage pregnancy remains deeply ingrained in society.

Experts say that more needs to be done to change societal attitudes and create a supportive environment for these girls.

“While the government’s policy change is commendable, the implementation is where the challenge lies,” says a gender and education specialist, Dr Miriam Kyaruzi.

“There needs to be a concerted effort to educate communities about the importance of allowing young mothers to continue their education.

Schools also need to be equipped with the necessary resources and training to support these students.”

Dr Kyaruzi emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces within schools where young mothers can receive counselling and support.

“Schools should be a place where these girls feel safe and supported, not a place where they fear judgment and rejection,” she adds.

The lack of support from schools and communities often forces young mothers to seek education in secret, as in Eva’s case.

This secrecy can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being, making it even more difficult for them to succeed academically.

Eva’s story is a testament to the resilience of many young mothers who are determined to continue their education despite the odds.

But her experience also highlights the need for systemic change to ensure that all young mothers have the opportunity to pursue their education without fear of stigma or discrimination.

The government has been emphasising the importance of eliminating barriers to education, as outlined in the Education and Training Policy of 2014, updated in 2023.

The policy affirms education as a right and stresses the need to remove any obstacles that may prevent students from accessing it.

This is further supported by international and regional treaties, including the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of 1995, which insists that girls who drop out of school due to pregnancy should be allowed to return without facing discrimination.

Despite these policies, the reality for many young mothers remains bleak.

“The government must do more than just issue policies and guidelines.

There needs to be a proactive approach to changing societal attitudes and providing the necessary support for these girls,” says Dr Kyaruzi.

For Eva, the support she has received has given her a second chance for education.

She is now focused on her studies and dreams of becoming a lawyer who will advocate for the rights of girls and children.

“I want to be a voice for those who don’t have one,” she says with determination.

Eva’s journey is far from over, but she is determined to make the most of the opportunity she has been given.

Her story serves as a reminder that while policies are essential, it is the implementation and support from society that truly make a difference in the lives of young mothers seeking an education.

Under the support of Bill&Melinda Gates