Performance and experiences of the return to school campaign for teenage mothers in Mpigi town council

Abstract

This dissertation examined the performance and experiences of the return to school campaign for teenage mothers in Mpigi Town Council, Mpigi District. The research objectives were to estimate the level of campaign uptake among teenage mothers, investigate the challenges experienced by teenage mothers who returned to school, and document the coping mechanisms employed by these teenage mothers. The study adopted a descriptive study design which was both qualitative and quantitative in nature and a sample size of 160 respondents was selected which included teachers, pupils / students and teenage mothers were involved in this study. Data was collected through use of questionnaires and interviews and out of the 160 questionnaires distributed, 144 questionnaires were returned to the research representing a percentage response of 90%. The findings revealed a high level of uptake of the return to school campaign, indicating its success in reaching and encouraging teenage mothers to return to education. However, the study also identified various challenges encountered by teenage mothers who returned to school, including social stigma, discrimination, lack of adequate childcare facilities, poverty among others. Furthermore, the research found that apart from the provision of emotional support, there were no other coping mechanisms in place to mitigate the challenges faced by teenage mothers who returned to school. The absence of comprehensive support systems highlights a significant gap in addressing the diverse needs of these young mothers. Based on the research findings, recommendations are provided to enhance the effectiveness of the return to school campaign. These include expanding support services, raising awareness and sensitizing the community, strengthening collaboration between stakeholders, developing holistic coping mechanisms, and implementing a system for continual monitoring and evaluation. This research contributes to the understanding of the performance and experiences of the return to school campaign for teenage mothers in Mpigi Town Council, Mpigi District. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing challenges faced by teenage mothers and implementing comprehensive support mechanisms to ensure their successful reintegration into the education system. By implementing the recommendations provided, stakeholders can work towards creating a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers teenage mothers to overcome challenges, complete their education, and improve their future prospects.