Socio-economic and Cultural Barriers Faced by Adolescent Mothers on Their Reintegration Back to School in Yimbo West Ward, Siaya County

Abstract

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study on challenges faced by adolescent mothers on their reintegration back to school in Yimbo West Ward, Siaya County. The study examined the socio-economic and cultural barriers in access to education for adolescent mothers, and the strategies that have been adopted by the schools and community to address these challenges. The study population comprised of adolescent mothers and the data was collected through case narratives, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews. The study was guided by Schlossberg’s Transition Theory. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and the findings have been presented along the research themes. Most schools readmit adolescent mothers after delivery and they are allowed to continue schooling during pregnancy. However, the findings of the study indicate that the challenges faced by adolescent mothers on their reintegration back to school relate to lack of basic needs such as school uniforms, clothes for their babies, food, and diapers. Other challenges include the stress associated with balancing the student role and motherhood, isolation by fellow students or teachers, frequent truancy from school to take care of the baby, and lack of support from the immediate family and relatives. In most cases the parents (mothers) or guardians assume the burden of caring for the babies and providing for the family in order for the girls continue with their education. The study recommends that stakeholders in the education sector need to create awareness on the legal frameworks that have enabled the adolescent mothers to be reintegrated back to school especially the return to school policy, socio-economic and cultural barriers in access to education for adolescent mothers, as well as the adverse effects of adolescent pregnancy. The government and key stakeholders ought to implement strategies to combat the increase of adolescent pregnancy in the region.