Challenges facing Teen Mothers in secondary schools in Kenya; A case of Wareng District,Uasin Gishu, Kenya

Abstract

This thesis has sought to establish the challenges that teen mothers face in secondary schools in Kenya. The study was carried out in Wareng, in 12 District public schools. Information from teen mothers and other targeted groups was obtained in a descriptive survey through questionnaires for head teachers, teacher counsellors and head students while interviews and focus group discussions were used with teen mothers. The sample was made up of 84 respondents with 36 teen mothers, 24 head students, 12 head teachers and 12 teacher counsellors. Purposive sampling was used to select head students as bearers of opinion in schools, head teachers as major decision makers in teen mother issues and teacher counsellors as key figures in teen mother acceptability and accommodation in school. Data was organized and analyzed in tables and percentages and discussed under various themes. The findings revealed that head teachers have not embraced teen mothers' re-admission while professional preparedness to handle teen mothers lacks in teacher counsellors. Teen mothers' challenges included difficulties in re-admission, rejection, descrimination in school activities, loss of friends, trauma, depression, anxiety, withdrawal, regret, guilt, fatigue and absenteeism added to the physical and health challenges associated with premature parenthood. Recommended practical solutions and strategies included enhancing implementation of gender friendly policies in education, public awareness campaigns, teen mother clubs and support groups, sex education, schools' Boards of Governors' intervention, involvement of parents and peers, equal treatment during school activities and unconditional re-admission into their previous schools where parental love, old friends and former teachers' support was instrumental in getting many teen mothers back to school. There is need for further research into the impact of teen mothers' transfers to new schools and also evaluate their socio-economic background, with a view to increase re-admission of teen mothers and enhance their accommodation.