Experiences of Teenage Mothers and Participation in Primary Education in Chepyuk Location, Mount Elgon Sub County, Bungoma County, Kenya
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Date
2018-10
Authors
Chenane, Yvonne Nanyama
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Abstract
This research work sought to bring to the fore, the predicaments faced by teenage mothers
as they attend primary education. The study anchored on the following objectives; To
investigate the factors leading to teenage pregnancy in primary schools, to find out the
experiences of teenage mothers in primary schools, to examine the influence of the
experiences of teenage mothers’ on participation in primary education and to establish
strategies to address the challenge of teenage pregnancy and motherhood to enhance
participation in primary education in Mount Elgon Sub County, Bungoma county focusing
on how it affects their academic endeavours. This study sought to fill the gap of re
admission experiences of teenage mothers and was based on the social learning theory and
adopted descriptive design. To ensure extensive and intensive investigation of the
phenomenon under study, the study employed mixed research method. The study targeted
forty eight informants. Out of which 29 were female and 19 were male. They consisted of
underage girls who were parents while still in primary school. The majority of these came
from Class Six (6) to class Eight (8) and teenage mothers out of school, regular pupils (6
boys and 6 girls), class teachers, teachers in the counselling and guidance department and
head teachers. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques were
employed in selecting informants. Data collection instruments included questionnaires,
interview schedules, observation schedule and document analysis. Data collected was
coded and organised to create emerging themes and later analysed using both qualitative
and quantitative data analysis techniques. The validity and reliability of the research
instruments was enhanced through a pilot study in one of the primary school which was
not included in the study and advice of supervisors in developing the research instruments.
The study findings revealed that majority of teen mothers in primary schools face a
myriad of experiences, the most prominent being rejection by family, stigma and
discrimination by some peers and teachers. It also established that majority of teenage
mothers do not attend classes regularly and this has a direct bearing on their academic
performance. It further revealed that various strategies are employed by teachers to
accommodate teenage mothers in schools. The study recommends that government and
all educational stake holders should develop sex education curriculum to be
taught separately like other displines and ensure its full implementation in
schools. The study further recommends the establishment of strong guidance
and counselling departments in schools headed by trained professionals.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the Department Of
Educational Foundations for Examination in Partial
Fulfilment of the Requirements for Award of the Degree Of
Master of Education in the School Of Education at Kenyatta
University. October 2018