Lobby calls for return to school of teen mothers

The Forum for African Women Educationalists of Kenya (FAWEK) is advocating for the re-entry to school of pregnant teenage girls through the Imarisha Msichana programme so as to ensure education for all.

Speaking in Matanya Primary School in Murang’a South during celebrations to mark the Day of the African Child, FAWEK Murang’a Coordinator Pauline Masese called on parents, teachers, and education stakeholders to support the pregnant African girl child to go back to school and shape their future through education.  “Even as we work to ensure that teen pregnancy ends in Murang’a, we also want to call upon all the stakeholders to support the African girl child, who falls pregnant to go back to school to finish her education,” she said.

 According to statistics in Murang’a, 17 girls out of 1,000 children, end up being teen mothers. The Murang’a administration including chiefs and sub-chiefs has put up measures to ensure that all children receive education and has also encouraged the re-entry of teen mothers back to school.

Eliminate teenagers

 FAWEK also educates boys as well on their role in eliminating teenage pregnancies and how to grow up to be responsible young men for a healthy society. The organization formed Tuseme clubs in eight schools in Murang’a, which educate the importance of education and to speak up whenever they face challenges in their education journey.

Ngigi Wainaina, assistant deputy County Commissioner Murang’a South said the ministry of Interior and National Administration is working with the ministry and the community to ensure a 100 per cent transition of all learners from one class to the next.  The organization has aligned itself with this year’s theme for the Day of the African Child; Education for all children in Africa to end teenage pregnancy so that our girls can finish their education and change their lives.