EXAMINING FACTORS THAT AFFECT TEEN MOTHERS’ RE-ENROLMENT INTO FORMAL PRIMARY SCHOOLING AFTER CHILD-BEARING: A CASE STUDY OF MACHINGA BOMA ZONE IN MACHINGA.

Abstract

This study sought to understand factors that affect teen mother re-enrolment into formal schooling after giving birth. Drawing from the experiences of 20 teen mothers, 4 head teachers and 4 parents in Machinga Boma zone, the study examined factors that affect teen mothers’ return to school after giving birth. The study used semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to understand the status of teen mother re-enrolment into schooling after giving birth. The study also sought to understand the kind of support teen mothers are given to re-enroll, home and school related factors that affect their return to school and how the challenges that teen mothers face can be addressed. The study further examined the community related factors that affect teen mothers’ return to school. Findings suggest that there is low re-enrolment of teen mothers to formal schooling after giving birth. Moreover, it was found that teen mothers do not receive enough support both from school and home to re-enroll. Often teen mothers are stigmatized and discriminated against both in school and the community. They do not receive proper guidance and counseling in schools, and they are forced into early marriages and challenged by conflicting roles of being a mother, student and daughter. The time they spend out of school exposes them to more options in life which are aggravated by the community. However, they are encouraged by future benefits of education like employment and also chances of finding someone to take care of their babies at home while they are in school. Despite this however, they are to a great extent set back by lack of financial support. The implication of the study is that there should be more sensitization and awareness campaigns about the policy for students, teachers and parents as most of the policy challenges arise from lack of awareness.