Exploring The Experiences Of Pregnant And Mothering Students In Higher Learning Institutions: A Case Of College Of Education At Udom

ABSTRACT

This study explored the experiences of pregnant and mothering students in higher learning institutions by taking the case of the University of Dodoma as a case study which is found in Dodoma Tanzania. In specifically, the study sought to find out the prevalence of mothering and pregnant students at the University of Dodoma, to investigate the experiences of pregnant and mothering students in their academic pursuit issues and to investigate the outstanding experiences of pregnant and mothering students psycho-socially and economically. Thus, Sixty seven students who were either pregnant or mothering were sampled using snowball technique to participate in the study. Six Wardens were also involved from six blocks buildings at the College of Education, from where female students live. Data for the study were principally collected through questionnaire and interviews. The findings revealed that 7.2 % of 2135 students are either pregnant and/ or mothering during their studies. These students reported facing a number of challenges in their path to schooling while pregnant, or with babies, including missing assignments, lack of comfort in studying, challenges in getting conducive accommodation. Furthermore, the study found that being pregnant, or mothering gives an added burden to many (46.3%) students since they solely depend on the fund issued for meals and accommodation to survive with their babies or the fetus. Pregnant students were also disturbed by pregnancy complications; and all participants also reported that they lost some friends who withdrew their relationship after the change of their status. The study concludes that both pregnant and mothering students face serious challenges that put them at disadvantage in learning at higher learning institutions. Thus, the researcher recommends some measures including raising awareness among students in order to prevent pregnancies while studying and giving the necessary assistance to those students who get pregnancies and babies while at the University