MOROGORO: A total of 481 girls who left secondary school because of early pregnancies have returned to learning through the Alternative Secondary Education Pathway since 2015, reflecting growing efforts to expand access to education for girls whose schooling has been interrupted.
The girls resumed their studies with support from Tanzania Moyo wa Mwanamke Shujaa (MwST), a non-governmental organisation that combines formal education with vocational training, counselling and life-skills programmes to help vulnerable young people continue their education.
Speaking in Morogoro, MwST Executive Director Dr Magdalena Kongera said the organisation has worked over the past decade to support children and young people affected by early pregnancy, gender-based violence, child abuse and early marriage.
“Since our establishment, we have remained committed to protecting children and young people from violence, abuse and harmful practices while helping them rebuild their lives through education and counselling,”she said.
Dr Kongera said many of the girls who returned to school also received psychosocial support, vocational training and career guidance to help them reintegrate into education and society.
She said the organisation has also provided counselling to girls abandoned after being promised marriage, enabling some to resume their education while others have pursued higher education or established independent livelihoods.
In addition, MwST has assisted boys and girls who survived different forms of violence by facilitating access to counselling, medical treatment and legal support, according to the organisation.
Dr Kongera said limited financial resources remain one of the organisation’s biggest challenges. She said MwST requires about 1.6bn/- to complete construction of permanent offices and acquire a vehicle to expand outreach services.
The Alternative Secondary Education Pathway was introduced to provide learners who are unable to continue through the conventional school system with an opportunity to complete their secondary education through an alternative route.
Representing the Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mvomero District Commissioner Maulid Dotto said initiatives that help vulnerable children return to school complement government efforts to improve access to education and protect children’s rights.
He commended civil society organisations for working alongside public institutions to combat gender-based violence and other forms of abuse affecting children and young people.
“The work being done is helping restore hope to vulnerable children while strengthening communities through education and protection,” said Mr Dotto.
