Lived experiences of teenage mothers after re-enrolment in secondary school after delivery : a case of Nsambya Sub County in Kyankwanzi District

Abstract

Despite the progress made to reduce teenage pregnancy and motherhood over the years in Uganda, this issue still remains a development and social concern. While various scholars have documented the experiences of teenage mothers, not much is known on the lived experiences of teenage mothers who enroll back in school after delivery. This study therefore, explored the lived experiences of teenage mothers who enroll in school after delivery in Nsambya Sub County, Kyankwanzi district. The study employed a cross sectional case study taking a qualitative approach. To explore the lived experiences of teenage mothers in Nsambya Sub County, eight (08) teenage mothers who enrolled back in school after delivery were interviewed through in-depth interviews (face to face) while adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines. In addition, two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also conducted with teenage mothers who enrolled back in a private and public secondary school respectively. I also conducted five (05) key informants’ interviews. Data from all the study participants was audio recorded with their consent and later transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was done thematically based on the study objectives. Results from the study reveal not only unique but also diverse experience of teenage mothers who enroll in school after delivery. While the study also noted positive experiences for teenage mothers who enroll back in school, it can be concluded that most of their experiences are negative. They for instance not only find it hard to balance motherhood and school, but most times they are stigmatized. As such, the study recommends that as a way of dealing with the plight of teenage mothers who enroll back in school after delivery, the key stakeholders including school administrators, parents, and teachers should provide a number of interventions including counselling and guidance sessions in school.