TEENAGE PREGNANCIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON EDUCATION. A CASE STUDY OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ZIMBABWE

Teenage pregnancies are a cause for concern to many countries in the world, Zimbabwe included. The effects such actions have on the lives of the affected and their families appear not evident but are very crucial. This study examined the causes of teenage pregnancies among ordinary level students in Harare high density schools and the ripple effects these had on the affected persons and their families and to suggest solutions to curb this matter. Schools and the teenage mothers in High Glen district were the target population and from these ten teachers and ten teenage mothers were purposively sampled. A qualitative research methodology was employed. Semi structured interviews were used to collect data from the participants. Data was analysed thematically. Findings from the study indicated that poverty was the main cause of teenage pregnancies among students. Lack of comprehensive sex education and peer pressure were other notable causes for teenage sexual relationships that led to teenage pregnancies. It was also found out that the effects of the teenage pregnancies were poor performance in schools, dropouts, and a high risk of failure to find well-paying jobs. The study concludes that poverty is a major determinant factor that caused teenage girls into engaging in sexual activities at an early age thereby getting pregnant and leaving school midway.