Teen Pregnancy: Over 4500 Zim Girls Drop Out of School
In a shocking revelation, Zimbabwe's Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Torerai Moyo, announced that 4,557 girls dropped out of school in 2023 due to pregnancy. The majority of these girls, 3,942, are from rural areas. Even more concerning, 134 of these girls were still in primary school.
Minister Moyo shared these figures while responding to questions from MPs in parliament. He highlighted that most of the dropouts were from secondary schools.
To tackle this issue, the ministry has introduced several measures, including guidance and counselling in schools. The Education Act now ensures that girls who fall pregnant can continue their education.
According to the Education Amendment Act of 2020, pregnant girls are encouraged to stay in school. They are allowed two weeks of maternity leave and can return to school after giving birth.
Teen Pregnancy: Over 4500 Zim Girls Drop Out of School
Minister Moyo emphasized the importance of equipping all students with technical and vocational skills, regardless of their circumstances. The ministry continues to encourage pregnant girls to complete their studies, and many have returned to school.
Support from partners like CAMFED has been crucial. CAMFED provides scholarships for girls facing financial challenges. Last December, a significant funding boost of US$48.8 million was allocated to CAMFED to support these girls.
350 000 Teen Pregnancies in Zimbabwe 2019-2022
The rise in teenage pregnancies has been linked to lax enforcement of laws, widespread poverty, and cultural and religious practices. The government and its partners are working tirelessly to address this crisis and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to complete her education.
