Challenges Facing Adolescent Mothers in Reintegration into the Academic Achievement in Morogoro Municipality
Judith Paschal *
Jordan University College, A Constitute of St. Augustine University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 1878, Morogoro, Tanzania.
Francis Magingo
Jordan University College, A Constitute of St. Augustine University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 1878, Morogoro, Tanzania.
Reginald Lyamuya
Jordan University College, A Constitute of St. Augustine University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 1878, Morogoro, Tanzania.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Tanzania’s Education Circular Number 2 of 2021 permits the readmission of adolescent mothers, but returning to school does not necessarily remove barriers to continued education. This study examined the challenges experienced by adolescent mothers during educational reintegration in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. A convergent mixed-methods design guided by pragmatism was employed. The study reported 65 respondents from two schools, including students, teachers, guidance counsellors and school heads. Questionnaires were completed by 35 respondents, while 30 participated in interviews. Quantitative responses were analysed using SPSS version 20, and interview accounts provided contextual insights. Among questionnaire respondents, 34 (97.1%) agreed that reintegration initiatives were underfunded, 33 (94.3%) identified financial constraints and 33 (94.3%) reported inconsistent enforcement of existing policies. Difficulties balancing caregiving and academic responsibilities were identified by 31 (88.6%) respondents, while 29 (82.9%) indicated limited access to remedial programmes and mentorship. Interview accounts described sociocultural stigma, peer rejection, uncertainty about school re-entry procedures, childcare-related expenses, exhaustion and reduced academic confidence. These reported challenges encompassed institutional arrangements, community attitudes and competing household responsibilities. The findings indicate that formal readmission alone may be insufficient to support sustained participation in education. Consistent policy implementation, financial assistance, accessible childcare arrangements and academic and psychosocial support may help address the reported barriers to reintegration in this municipality.
Keywords: Adolescent motherhood, school re-entry, educational reintegration, academic achievement, Tanzania, Morogoro municipality, policy implementation, social stigma, childcare responsibilities, psychosocial support