Guidelines for re-entry of pregnant girls into sc...

Guidelines for re-entry of pregnant girls into school set

Tanzania lifts ban on pregnant schoolgirls | Club of Mozambique

Zim Now Writer

The Ministry of primary and Secondary education has issued guidelines that provide for the re-entry of pregnant girls into school after delivery.

The ministry said girls should be allowed to continue with their studies at a suitable time after giving birth.

The guidelines state that pregnant girls who drop out of school due to their pregnancy should be allowed to resume their studies after giving birth.

“Schools are required to provide support to these girls, including counseling services, flexible academic programmes, and access to health care services,” reads the statement.

The policy prohibits schools from subjecting pregnant girls to any form of discrimination, harassment, or stigmatisation.

The policy also states that denying them access to education can lead to serious consequences, such as perpetuating the cycle of poverty, limiting their future opportunities, and increasing their vulnerability to early marriage, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse.

Some traditionalists, however, argue that allowing pregnant girls to return to school after delivery “encourages” girls to indulge in sexual intercourse at a young age and corrodes the moral fabric of society.

The Ministry also said learners should not be denied education because of the non-payment of school fees by their parents or guardians.

“Every child has a right to an education.

“No child shall be turned away from school for non-payment of fees.

“Fees payment is to be made in a currency of one’s choice at the official exchange rate,” the Ministry added.