Only two per cent of the early pregnancy victims continue with school after delivery, the Ida Odinga Trust has disclosed.
According to the Trust headed by former Prime Minister’s spouse, Ida Odinga majority of those who fall prey to sexual pests end up in early marriages and the informal labour such as Boda boda and hawking jobs.
Speaking at Got Rembo Primary School in Ugenya when the Trust in conjunction with Dr. Daniel Odhiambo Foundation organized a talk on early pregnancies to the local pupils, the head of communication at the organization, Brian Odhiambo Otieno called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to ensure 100 per cent student transition.
Otieno said that the Ida Odinga Trust, through its Linda Kesho Programme has been targeting the young with comprehensive sexual reproduction information so as to equip them with knowledge that is rarely found in schools.
“The biggest problem is that information on comprehensive sexual reproduction is not in schools,” he said, adding educational institutions only teach about anatomy.
Otieno lamented that most cultures frown upon open discussion of sexuality yet this is what can build or destroy the future of the youth depending on how empowered they are.
Addressing the media during the occasion, businessman Dr. Odhiambo said ten schools in Ugenya are poised to benefit from the weeklong initiative that aims at curbing rampant teenage pregnancies in Ugenya constituency.
Odhiambo attributed the high number of teenage pregnancies in the area to low income by the parents and guardians who can barely afford things like sanitary towels to the girls.
He called on parents and other stakeholders to join the war against teenage pregnancies if the society was to prosper.
By Philip Onyango
