Assessment Of Re-Admission Policy For Mothering Students In Secondary Schools In Tanzania: A Case Of Mbeya City

ABSTRACT

The major aim of the study was to assess the re-admission policy for mothering students in secondary schools in Tanzania. A total of 6 secondary schools were sampled, and 67 respondents were involved. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approach. The instruments of data collection included questionnaires, interview and documentary review. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically while quantitative data were analyzed and presented descriptively. The findings revealed that, the government has failed to enforce the implementation of the re-admission policy due to its failure to provide policy guidelines to school heads and educational officers who are the main educational policy implementers. It was further revealed that there were diverse opinions regarding usefulness of the policy, the effectiveness of the policy and its‟ practice. The findings further show many socio-cultural factors that hinder young mothers from returning to school. The study recommends that the government should build special schools at least one at each zone for mothering school girls. The government should come up with the policy guidelines on how the policy can be operational. There should be sensitization of all stakeholders and removal of socio-cultural disadvantages. Moreover, there should be provision of counseling to teenage mothers to improve implementation of the policy. It was further recommended that regular monitoring and follow-ups would play a key role in the implementation of the policy and further similar study should be done in other areas of the country.