Women forum in plan to return teen mothers to school
The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) of Kenya in Murang’a county has launched an intensive campaign to have teen mothers go back to school and continue with their education after childbirth.
Pauline Masese, FAWEK coordinator in Murang’a county said through a campaign dubbed ‘imarisha msichana’, the organisation is advocating for the re-admission of teen mothers to resume studies in order to give them a chance to pursue their dreams.
Education sector
Masese noted that the majority of teen mothers shy away from going back to school citing stigmatisation saying it’s high time the society changes the perception towards them.
She said parents, teachers and stakeholders in the education sector should be on the forefront in championing the education of such minors.
“In some cases, teen mothers are married off at a tender age and this denies them the opportunity to continue with their education,” remarked Masese.
The coordinator said the effort to bring down teenage pregnancies are gradually bearing fruits adding that ensuring the minors get back to class will help safeguard their future.
“As we work towards eradicating teenage pregnancies, we should have in mind the next course of action to ensure the minors don’t stay back at home which will further expose them to more risks,” she added.
Masese added that while championing the rights of the girl child, they are also educating the boys on their role in eradicating teenage pregnancies and how to grow up to be responsible young men for a healthier society.
She said they have identified eight schools in the county and formed ‘tuseme clubs’ which will act as platforms to the learners to share their challenges and also get social-psycho support.
Susan Wambui, children’s officer in Murang’a South noted that child negligence in the area is high saying it has led to increased cases of teenage pregnancies and school dropout.
“In a week, we handle at least 15 cases of child negligence and the majority of these children end up indulging in drugs or alcoholism,” said Wambui.
