Experiences of teenage mothers re-entering into Senior High Schools in Kwahu Afram -Plains North District

Abstract

This study sought to explore the experiences of teenage mothers re-entering Senior High School in Kwahu Afram -Plains North District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study employed a qualitative research approach with a phenomenological descriptive research design. Through an expert convenience purposive sampling technique, 35 teenage mothers were the population and 15 teenage mothers were sampled for the study. Data was collected using an Interview guide. Data was analyzed thematically. The study revealed that teenage motherhood experiences were largely on issues such as financial constraint, stigmatisation and rejection from friends, relatives and the community. Findings from the study indicated that some of the teenage mothers are primarily motivated by the desire to secure a better future for themselves and their children. They value education as a means to break cycles of poverty, gain stable employment, and serve as role models for their children. The study also underscores the need for comprehensive support systems that include academic and professional support, flexible learning schedules, financial assistance, emotional and psychological counselling services and efforts raising awareness to reduce stigma, all of which are critical for ensuring the academic success of teenage mothers. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should consider how the re-entry policy is being implemented in the various institutions. In the chapter’s discussion, it was established that very little is done on paper or in documents when it comes to the support systems available to teenage mothers. Instead, parents, the government, and school authorities must collaborate as a family unit or system to understand the needs and circumstances of teenage mothers. It was further recommended that; teachers and counsellors should give teenage mothers the needed guidance and counselling to be able to restore confidence in them to enable them improve academically and to overcome the stress they go through.