The Forum for African Women Educationalists of Kenya (FAWEK) has called on parents, teachers, education stakeholders to champion for re- entry to school for teenage girls, who get pregnant so as to ensure education for all.
FAWEK Murang’a Coordinator Pauline Masese while speaking in Matanya Primary School in Murang’a South, during the celebrations to mark the Day of the African Child, said that through the Imarisha Msichana programme, the organization advocates for re -entry of teenage girls, who fall pregnant to go back to school to finish their education.
“Even as we work to ensure that teen pregnancy ends in Murang’a, we also want to call unto all the stakeholders to support the African girl child, who falls pregnant to go back to school and shape her future through education,” she said.
“We also educate the boys as well on their role in eradicating teenage pregnancy and how to grow up to be responsible young men for a healthy society” she added.
Masese noted that the organization has identified 8 schools in Murang’a, where they have formed Tuseme clubs, which educate the pupils on the importance of education and to speak up whenever they face challenges in their education journey.
Celebrated annually on June 16, the day of the African child celebrates the children of Africa and calls for serious introspection and commitment towards addressing the numerous challenges they face in Africa.
“This year’s Theme was, Education for all children in Africa: The time is now,” she averred.
On her part, Murang’a South Children’s Officer Susan Wambui observed that child negligence was rampant in the sub county and that as an office they are putting measures to curb this menace.
“We have numerous cases of neglect such that in a week we may handle up to 15 cases of neglect from either parent, let us strive to nurture our children because a neglected child is locked out of a bright future,” she said.
Wambui noted that when an African child is neglected, it makes it difficult for them to access education and other basic needs that they need.
“Sometimes negligence will cause the children to drop out of school and even indulge into drugs, substance abuse and other anti-social behavior because they have lacked a guiding voice.”
She underscored that the celebration of the day of the African child is important because it raises awareness on such matters and urged the community to champion for the rights of African children.
At the same time, Ngigi Wainaina, the Assistant Deputy County Commissioner Murang’a South observed that the administration including the chiefs and sub chiefs are reinforcing measures to ensure every child stays in school to finish their education.
“We have put up measures to ensure that all children receive education, and we also encourage re- entry of teen mothers back to school,” he said.
“According to statistics in Murang’a, out of 1000 children, 17 girls end up being teen mothers and we must join hands to end teenage pregnancy so that our girls can finish their education and change their lives,” added Wainaina.
He said the ministry of Interior and National Administration is working with the ministry of education and the community to ensure a hundred percent transition of all learners from one class to the next.
The colourful commemoration of the day brought together thousands of pupils and students from schools in Murang’a South and was marked through skits,
dances and recitations, all geared towards championing for education for all children in Africa.
By Anita Omwenga and Florence Kinyua
