Support mechanisms needed by re-admitted teenage mothers after rejoining secondary education in selected secondary schools in Nzega District, Tanzania

Abstract

This study aimed to identify support mechanisms needed by re-admitted teenage mothers to cope with challenges after rejoining secondary education in Nzega District, Tanzania. This study is situated in theoretical foundation of Ecological Systems Theory. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and a hermeneutic phenomenological design to explore the experiences of the participants. The study employed 19 participants including eight teenage mothers, five school academic masters and six peers of teenage mothers. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion and analysed thematically. The study found that to cope with challenges teenage mothers needed psychosocial and emotional support in terms guidance and counselling and ensuring inclusive school climate within school environment. The findings show that teenage mothers needed monetary assistance and material assistance. Furthermore, the findings revealed that school-based childcare facilities are essential for supporting successfully reintegration of teenage mothers into secondary education. Thus, they needed childcare support centers within or near schools as this could help reduce absenteeism and improve learners’ concentration. The study concludes that effective support systems are required for successful re-admission of teenage mothers into secondary education. The study recommends that there should be collaborative efforts among schools, families, communities, and policymakers to strengthen and implement comprehensive school re-entry support systems. This can be done through the provision of psychosocial and emotional support financial and material support, and establishing childcare support services within or near schools. To capture diverse experiences and strengthen the applicability of the findings, future studies should extend to various districts to examine the support mechanisms required by teenage mothers in secondary schools.