The Challenges faced by teenage mothers when they attempt to re-enroll in formal education at St Harriet High School in Murehwa Central district · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Ndhlela, Sithembiso

Title

The Challenges faced by teenage mothers when they attempt to re-enroll in formal education at St Harriet High School in Murehwa Central district

Abstract

This study sought to explore the challenges face d by teenage mothers when attempting to re-enroll in formal education at St Harriet High School in Murehwa Central District. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who could provide rich and relevant data. Data generation, analysis and interpretation was grounded in qualitative approach. The research aimed to understand the specific obstacles encountered, coping strategies used and suggestions for improvement from the perspectives of teenage mothers themselves. In-depth interviews and focus groups were used to collect data with 15 teenage mothers who had either returned to school or had attempted to do so. Findings were organized and presented using thematic tables, reflecting the lived experiences, the adopted coping strategies and the improvements, which teenage mothers believe are necessary to support their successful re-enrollment. Key challenges identified included stigma and discrimination, financial constraints, lack of childcare support, limited institutional support and emotional or psychological stress. Despite these barriers, participants employed coping strategies such as support from family and personal motivation. The majority of teenage mothers highlighted the need for flexible academic policies, emotional support and financial assistance as essential improvements to enable successful re-entry into education. The study contributes valuable insights into the educational re-intergration of young mothers and offers implications for policy makers, educators and community stakeholders in designing inclusive and supportive learning environment. Limitations of the study include small sample size and focus on single school, which may not fully represent the experiences of teenage mothers in other areas. The researcher also looked at the recommendations for future research which include, expanding the study to other schools and districts, and exploring the perspectives of educators, parents and policy makers to create a broader understanding of the issue.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Teenage Mothers

St Harriet High School

Formal education

Flexible academic policies

Supervisor

Mr Ngwenya,