Date of Award

2024

Degree Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Dr. Mweru Mwingi

Department

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Abstract

The Education Re-entry Policy aims to provide a second chance for teen mothers to pursue their education after experiencing pregnancy-related interruptions. This study explored Re-entry Policy implementation in two secondary schools in Vurra County, Arua District with the aim of identifying the Re-entry Policy implementation practices, examining the challenges, and investigating the strategies for addressing these encounters in the implementation process. A qualitative approach with case study design was employed where data was collected through interviews with 2 Heads of schools, 2 class teachers, 3 parents, 2 Guidance and counselling teachers, 4 teen mothers who had re-entered school and 4 peers of teen mothers. A purposive sampling criterion was used for selecting participants. School documents such as the Re-entry Policy guidelines, guidance and counselling reports, progress records and class register were also reviewed. The data collected was analysed through thematic analysis where themes were developed. The findings revealed that schools exhibited a positive trend in policy implementation by offering admission and lobbying support from community-based organizations for teen mothers. However inadequate personalised guidance and counselling, stigma and discrimination, irregular class attendance and inadequate knowledge about the policy among stakeholders posed challenges. while practices such as raising awareness and remedial lessons helped address these challenges. However, limited resources and the culture of forced marriage constrained holistic implementation hence lowering the completion rate of the teen mothers. The study recommends improved guidance and counselling including mental health by building the capacity of school personnel, further communities’ awareness on the need to support adolescent mothers' education and strengthened policy implementation monitoring system at the district level.

First Page

1

Last Page

118

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