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Educational Support Systems for Teenage Mothers in Public Basic Schools: Lived Experiences of Teenage Mothers

Author

Listed:
  • Emmanuel Dorsah

    (Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, University of Cape Coast)

  • Alfred Kweku Ampah-Mensah

    (Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, University of Cape Coast)

  • Cynthia Ofosuhene

    (Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, University of Cape Coast)

  • Isaac Atta Kwenin

    (Department of Business and Social Sciences Education, University of Cape Coast)

  • Rudzani Israel Lumadi

    (Department of Educational Leadership and Management, University of South Africa)

Abstract

The study investigated educational support systems for teenage mothers in public basic schools in the Central Region, Ghana. The study explored the educational support systems available and the in-school management strategies that are adopted by heads of schools to teenage mothers as they re-enrol into the formal public basic school. The study employed a phenomenological research design underpinned by qualitative interpretivist philosophy for the study. The population of the study consisted of teenage mothers and heads teacher. Snowballing and purposive sampling procedures were used to select 5 teenage mothers and 4 heads of schools for interviews. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to elicit data for analysis in response to the research questions posed. The findings showed that the free senior high school policy and the government policy on teenage mothers to return to school after child birth were the factors that contributed to teenage mothers’ re-enrolment into school. Again, teachers and classmates provided critical support to teenage mothers who re-entered school in terms of books and stationeries. it is recommended that the Ghana Education Service and the National Council for Civic Education should sustain teenage mothers’ education in communities regarding government policies and support systems as they re-enrol.

Suggested Citation

  • Emmanuel Dorsah & Alfred Kweku Ampah-Mensah & Cynthia Ofosuhene & Isaac Atta Kwenin & Rudzani Israel Lumadi, 2024. "Educational Support Systems for Teenage Mothers in Public Basic Schools: Lived Experiences of Teenage Mothers," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(5), pages 2354-2369, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:8:y:2024:i:5:p:2354-2369
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Siv Gustafsson & Seble Worku, 2007. "Teenage Motherhood and Long-run Outcomes in South Africa," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 07-024/3, Tinbergen Institute.
    2. Polit, D.F. & Kahn, J.R., 1986. "Early subsequent pregnancy among economically disadvantaged teenage mothers," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 76(2), pages 167-171.
    3. Geronimus, Arline T., 2003. "Damned if you do: culture, identity, privilege, and teenage childbearing in the United States," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 57(5), pages 881-893, September.
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