Overall Situation of Teen Mothers in Lindi
Teen Mothers’ View of the School Context
Nine of the teen mothers interviewed in Lindi felt that discipline in school among pupils was generally good, while a few [2] thought pupils were indisciplined and some made noise in the classroom. On who performs better between boys and girls, most [7], thought boys were better, while only tow were of the opinion that the situation was similar between boys and girls. Absenteeism was seen as a bigger problem among boys than girls, with most boys disappearing from school compound after the first break [6]. Nevertheless, some girls [6], thought the problem was equally present among girls and boys.
As concerns supervision in the school, it was stated that teachers were supervising the schools quite well, and the overall environment was one of general safety. Monitors were also seen to be effective in their roles [5]. This however is challenged by the observation given by 4 of the teen mothers, that boys bully girls. But 2 teen mothers also mentioned that some girls also bully other girls. On work given at school, most of the girls thought this was normal [8]. The work involved mostly cleaning the school environment and beautification [6]. Lastly the teen mothers mentioned the number of girls who got pregnant in 2008 as only one [7], while in 2007, they also thought one girl got pregnant [4].
Reasons for Teen Mothers Leaving School
On whether there are restrictions at home from going back to school, most of the teen mothers in Lindi saw no restrictions on them [5]. However a few [3] stated that the economic situation at home would make it difficult for them to return to school. On whether there are any reasons in the community that limits influences their leaving school, they stated there were none because their communities see teen pregnancy as a normal situation [6]. However there are a few community members who laugh at them and discourage these girls from going back to school 2]. On factors by other pupils in the school, other pupils are seen as relatively sympathetic [4], but a few boys are said to harass the girls until they force them to drop out [3]. Teachers were deemed as quite supportive [6] by most of the teen mothers, while a few thought they were not [3].
Support given to Teen Mothers to continue with education
On support from their families, the teen mothers in Lindi mentioned that their parents were prepared to assist in taking care of the infants so that their daughters continue with education [5]. However, in some of the households it was sad that only the mother was assisting the teen parent [4]. Support from the community at large was mainly negligible [11], this mainly due to the reason that there is no tradition in organizing collective help for educating children [1]. Other pupils are also seen to be mostly not supportive [8], and in very few cases does support happen in the form of clothing and money from other pupils [1]. Teachers are also seen to be none supportive [9], and in isolated cases they encourage the teen mothers to go back to school [1].
Community views on the teen pregnancy problem
Although some of the community members in Lindi do not say anything averse on the situation [4], some do. Those who make demoralising comments from the time the pregnancy is detected until the girl delivers [3]. Teachers do caution pupils to avoid indiscriminate sex and wait until they leave school [4], and they especially caution girls to avoid being misled by men [3]. On instructions given by village authorities in avoiding pregnancies, most of the girls said this does not happen [8], while if at all does happen it is mainly through peer education activities [1]. On the views from other pupils, teen mothers said they were not receiving any [6], while where it does it is in the nature of empathy and consolation [3]. Asked if education authorities give any advice in preventing pregnancies, the teen mothers in Lindi stated there was none [8], while the only advice observed was that in the form of the Ward Education Coordinator giving a talk on prevention of pregnancy [1].
Strategies applied to enable Teen Mothers return to School
In most cases the communities in Lindi do nothing to assist teen mothers go back to school [7], and if at all, not many of the interviewed teen mothers knew or shred the information [2]. As for teachers, they were seen to prefer these girls return to school [3], but were prevented from helping them because the law restricts teen mothers from getting back to school [3]. Other pupils were not seen to actively apply any strategies to assist teen mothers return to school [8], and if this occurred, most teen mothers were uninformed [3].
Recommendations raised by Teen Mothers
1. Concerning how to eliminate some of the problems forcing them to leave school, the teen mothers in Lindi suggested the following: being permitted to return to school [3], and sending the infant to other relatives so that they continue with education [2].
2. On assistance required to continue with education: Teen mothers in Lindi identified the following: money for buying food for the baby [5], and financial assistance to complete their education [2].
3. What teen mothers in Lindi suggested to enable them continue with education: Sex education and family planning services should be provided in schools [4], and seminars should be given to all pupils on how to manage this situation [4].
Overall Situation of Teen Mothers in Mtwara
Teen Mothers’ View of the School Context
Like their colleagues in Lindi, most of the teen mothers interviewed in Mtwara felt that discipline in school among pupils was generally good [6], while only one [1] thought the discipline was unfavourable. Pertaining to the overall academic performance between boys and girls, most [5], thought boys were better, while only 2 were of the opinion that boys and girls performed equally well. Absenteeism was seen as equally present among boys and girls, and the main cause being the general economic and livelihood situation at home [4]. Concerning supervision in the school, it was stated that teachers were supervising the schools quite well [4], and monitors likewise were effective in their roles [4]. As regards bullying, a few of the teen mothers considered this being present [3], with bigger boys bullying smaller pupils [3].
Like in Lindi, teen mothers in Mtwara thought the work given to pupils at school, was generally normal [6]. This work mainly involved cleaning the school environment, beautification, and tending to the school farm [4]. Finally, as regards the number of girls who got pregnant in 2008, the teen mothers identified only one pupil [3], while in the previous year, 2007, most could not identify or remember any girl who got pregnant [2].
Reasons for Teen Mothers Leaving School
Relating to whether there are restrictions at home from going back to school, similar to the situation in Lindi most of the teen mothers in Mtwara had no restrictions from home preventing them from going back to school [5]. Instead it was the state laws that imposed restrictions on them. Nevertheless, one teen mother [1] stated that the economic situation at home makes it difficult for her to afford schooling costs.
As to whether there are any reasons in the community limiting returning to school, some teen mothers stated that they are told by some community members they do not deserve to go back to school [4]. Irrespective of this, they proudly stated that if given a chance they shall return to school [2]. With regard to reasons caused by other pupils that prevent them returning to school, teen mothers in Mtwara mentioned mainly gross harassment [4], and facing constant opposition by other pupils [3]. Like in Lindi, teachers in Mtwara were seen as quite supportive of teen mothers [3], but the laws were mentioned as the main obstacle to receiving the teen mothers back to school [2].
Support given to Teen Mothers to continue with education
Relating to support from their families, the teen mothers in Mtwara said they got no help from their families in taking care of the infants so as to enable them continue with education [4]. Pertaining to support from other community members, none was forthcoming [6], but a few friends gave them encouragement not to abandon hope [1]. Similar to Lindi, other pupils are not seen to be supportive at all [5], and in a few cases where it happens, it is in the form of advice [2]. Teachers are also seen as not being supportive [7], and mainly due to the law restricting any support [2].
Community perceptions on the teen pregnancy problem
Community members in Mtwara do not hold negative perceptions on the situation of teen mothers [4], however, those who do, mainly make foolish comments from the time the pregnancy is detected until the girl delivers [2]. Similar to Lindi, teachers in Mtwara schools caution pupils to avoid indiscriminate sex and hold their brakes until they leave school [4], and they are instead urged to increase their concentration on their studies [2]. Regarding instructions given by village authorities in avoiding pregnancies, most of the girls said this does not happen [3], while if it at all happens, it is in the form of advice to complete education in order to acquire a better future [2].
As regards views from other pupils, teen mothers in Mtwara said they do not get any [5]. Others were advised to complete school so that they get employment [1]. Regarding whether education authorities give any advice in preventing pregnancies, the teen mothers in Mtwara stated there was none [5]. Instead they urge that pregnant girls should stop going to school [1].
Strategies applied to enable Teen Mothers return to School
In Mtwara there are not strategies applied by its communities to assist teen mothers go back to school [6]. However, some of the interviewed teen mothers wanted to go back to school [1]. As for teachers, it was said it is unknown whether any teacher has successfully assisted a teen mother to get back to school [6], but a few thought teachers wanted the teen mothers to get back to school but are prevented from helping them because the law restricts their getting back to school [2]. No strategies are identified as being used by other pupils to assist teen mothers return to school [7], mainly because the present law forbids teen mothers going back to school [1].
Recommendations raised by Teen Mothers
1. On how to eliminate some of the problems forcing the to leave school: The teen mothers in Mtwara unfortunately said they do not know how to solve the problems faced as regards their returning to school [3]. However, one teen mother proposed to be let to rejoin school and continue with her education [1].
2. On assistance required to continue with education: The government should change laws so that teen mothers can go back to school [3], and furthermore, any form of support would be welcomed.
Extracted from a Report titled “Teen Mothers in Lindi and Mtwara Regions: Qualitative Gender Research Report on Teen Pregnancies and Education”. Reported by: Mr. Edward H. Mhina [Chief Consultant – GAD Consult]. October 2008.
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