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.
