Kilifi, Kenya| In a bold move to curb the rising cases of teenage pregnancies in Kilifi South Sub-County, Mtoto wa Bahari, a community-based organization, has launched an initiative to empower students in 17 secondary schools.
The program aims to provide scholarships, comprehensive sex education, and life skills training to foster self-awareness and academic excellence.
Teen pregnancies have long been a crisis in Kilifi, with the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey reporting that 13% of women aged 15-19 in the county have experienced pregnancy.
The survey further highlights that teenage pregnancy rates decline significantly with higher education levels—plummeting from 38% among women with no formal education to just 5% among those with education beyond secondary school.
Addressing the Root Causes of Teen Pregnancies
According to Mtoto wa Bahari founder Joseph Kitole, the organization is determined to improve academic performance in Kilifi South by tackling the social and cultural factors contributing to early pregnancies.
He noted that the community’s approach to education, coupled with retrogressive traditions, significantly influences school absenteeism and poor performance.
“We have seen that many of these issues stem from family backgrounds and cultural practices that normalize early pregnancies. Our goal is to empower these students with the right knowledge and skills to navigate their education and future successfully,” Kitole stated.
Empowerment Through Education and Life Skills
The organization’s Outreach Director, Dr. Christine Kasichana, emphasized that Kilifi has gained a reputation for high teenage pregnancy rates and poor academic performance—something they are determined to change.
“We are engaging students through mentorship, life skills training, and sex education to equip them with the tools they need to make informed choices,” said Dr. Kasichana.
“If they have skills, they can earn a small income while pursuing their dreams instead of falling into destructive patterns.”
Challenges Faced by Schools
The initiative has been welcomed by school administrators who continue to grapple with the effects of teen pregnancies on education.
At Shariani Secondary School, Principal David Kenyakanga revealed that the institution has recorded four confirmed cases of teenage pregnancies, with several students dropping out. However, he fears the numbers could be much higher.
“The figures we see are just the visible ones. Since we don’t conduct pregnancy tests, the actual number could be more,” he explained.
Kenyakanga attributed the high dropout rates to a combination of factors, including lack of parental involvement, economic hardships, and inadequate mentorship.
He noted that many students in the sub-county attend day schools, yet instead of staying with their parents, some live alone in rented houses, often neglected and unsupported.
“In many cases, parents fail to provide basic needs like food and rent, forcing students to seek alternative means of survival. This leads to risky behaviors, including relationships that result in early pregnancies,” he said.
He emphasized the need for parents to be more engaged in their children’s education, arguing that proper parental guidance would significantly reduce teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and poor academic performance.
Call for More Mentorship and Support
At K.P. Senior Secondary School, Deputy Principal Simbo Paul recounted similar struggles, disclosing that one student recently dropped out to care for her newborn.
“Unfortunately, most girls who drop out due to pregnancy never return to school, even though we encourage their parents to let them continue with their education,” Paul said.
He urged Mtoto wa Bahari to conduct regular mentorship sessions to support students in making informed life choices.
A Collaborative Approach to a Sustainable Solution
Mtoto wa Bahari Program Officer Jolline Katama stressed the importance of collaboration between schools, parents, and community organizations to tackle the crisis.
“Many of these learners lack proper mentorship, making them vulnerable to life’s challenges. We need to work together to guide and support them towards a better future,” Katama emphasized.
As Mtoto wa Bahari rolls out its program, the hope is that through education, empowerment, and mentorship, more students will stay in school, avoid early pregnancies, and build brighter futures.
The initiative marks a crucial step in reversing the cycle of teenage pregnancies and ensuring that young girls in Kilifi South have a fair chance at academic success and personal growth.
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