Investigation into tracking systems used to follow up pregnant girls in selected government secondary schools in Kalulushi district, Copperbelt, Zambia.
This study sought to investigate the tracking systems used to follow up pregnant school girls in selected government secondary schools in Kalulushi District. The study used critical theory in identifying the importance of the study which also aimed to sensitise stakeholders on the issues involved in teenage pregnancy by raising them for discussion. Further, the study used a qualitative method using a descriptive survey design. Interview guides, were used to obtain in-depth information from the Ministry of General Education (MOE) officials, head teachers, grade teachers, guidance and counselling teachers, Non governmental organisations(NGOs) and parents/guardians. Focus group discussion guide was also used to collect data from the teen mothers. Furthermore, analysis of documents was exploited for data collection. The sampling method used was non-probability purposeful sampling. A total of 25 participants took part in the study. The study established that there were no formal and no established structures of systems for tracking pregnant school girls that existed at school and household levels. However, there were informal and non-routine tracking activities arising from the effort and initiative of individual participants. On the other hand, the study established that NGO had in place a systematic tracking system. The type of activities undertaken in the tracking of teen mothers mainly included: home visitation, psychosocial counselling, monitoring class attendance and performance as well as maternal health. The parents/guardians also tracked their teen mothers’ academic performance and encouraged them to go to school early. The study also identified a number of challenges that were faced by participants in the process of tracking the teen mothers. The major challenges were: limited time, lack of human and financial resources for logistics such as transport and relocation of teen mothers by parents/guardians to unknown places, among others. The study further established a number of measures taken to mitigate the challenges. The commonest were: need for funding, scheduled tracking sessions, more human resource and up to date information about teen mothers. The study recommended the need for enhanced record keeping and data management. In addition, schools should collaborate and dialogue more with parents, sensitise them on the re-entry policy and tracking system in order to reduce stigma and myths about pregnant girls as well as cultural barriers.
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