School systems must support pregnant learners

Zim Now Writer

Schools in the country must come up with systems that support pregnant learners as this remains central in ensuring the smooth implementation of the policy that allows pregnant pupils to attend lessons.

This comes as government amended the Education Act in 2020, to prohibit schools from banning pregnant pupils from attending school.

Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Edgar Moyo said for the policy to be successful, schools have to come up with structures that support the pregnant learners.

“We need schools to come up with adaptive strategies depending on the circumstances and environment. First of all, the pregnant pupil and the parents need to undergo counselling. The parents have to understand that the child has to continue with her education even after giving birth,” he said.

He added that the other learners at the school also need to understand the situation of the other learner in order to prevent discrimination.

“The pupil, on her part, also has to understand that she is a child and pregnancy is a phase that shouldn’t stop her from going back to school.”

He said some pupils have to walk long distances to reach school and it is even more difficult when they are pregnant.

“The major support for a pregnant learner must come from the school system. The school should facilitate a space which is convenient for the learner. Parents also have a huge role to play in the successful implementation of this policy,” said Moyo.

The deputy minister also noted that traditional beliefs were also to blame for believing that once a child is pregnant, she is expected to leave school or be married off.

“Parents shouldn’t stand in the way of their children getting an education as it’s their basic right,” he added.

Some children were not going back to school after falling pregnant because of discrimination, which can come from teachers.

In some cases, some parents do not want their children to learn with a pregnant pupil.