Pregnant and in School

Finding out that you’re pregnant when you’re really young can be a shock to the system - especially when you’re in school and still have your education and career ahead of you. You might even be wondering if your school will allow you to complete your studies and if, as a mother, you’ll have the ability to manage a baby and your studies. So here’s what you might need to know.

You have the right to be in school

In the past, pregnant girls in certain schools would be expelled or suspended from school during pregnancy, or they would be stigmatized and discriminated for being pregnant while at school. This was wrong Choma and so the law changed that policy to make it illegal to expel or suspend pregnant school girls. Know that you have every right to complete your education and every right not to be discriminated against. If you receive unfair treatment based on your pregnancy, visit the Department of Basic Education’s website and call the contact number for the province you’re from. They will be able to provide you with the right numbers to call and report the matter.

You can get support

Choma, one of the most important things you need at this time is support. It’s important that you have people around you who are able to help so that you can focus on your studies. There are also a few organisations that help teen moms in particular so please contact these organisations for help should you need support. They should be able to guide you. Here’s a link to finding more support (it also has all the numbers you need): Finding Support as a Teen Mom.

Being pregnant and in school doesn't mean that you have to miss out on your education. It’s actually important that you prioritise your studies and that you stay in school because it is important for your, and your child’s, future. Having an education and being able to progress to college or varsity increases the available opportunities for you and your child.

Do you think pregnant girls are being discriminated against in schools? If you want to have your say about the situation and call for more people to take action and end discrimination, make your noise here using the hashtag #MoreGirlsInSchools.

Remember, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657)