City launches programme to prevent learner pregnancy
The Zero Percent Learner Pregnancy programme aims to curb learner pregnancy in schools.
A PROGRAMME to fight learner pregnancy was launched in Isolemamba High School in Nsimbini, which is near Folweni, by eThekwini Municipality Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda on August 17.
The Zero Percent Learner Pregnancy programme seeks to prevent teenage and learner pregnancy and create an environment that encourages young girls to stay in school until they pass matric. Speaking at the launch, Kaunda said it was of great concern that teenage pregnancy is on the rise in the city.
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“Teenage pregnancy is a huge public health concern as it implies that young people are engaging in unprotected sex. As a result, it puts young girls at risk of contracting HIV,” said Kaunda.
According to South African law, a pregnant learner cannot be expelled from school because of the pregnancy.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education also has a programme running to help prevent learner pregnancy. Advocate Bheki Masuku from the department said the increasing rate of learner pregnancies has been highlighted as a risk factor for learner retention and achievement in school.
“This has necessitated the province to embark on targeted prevention activities to address learner pregnancy and early parenthood. Teenage pregnancy can result in a range of risk factors for the baby, the teen mother, the family and society. The risks for the young mother cut across issues such as health, education attainment and limited skills, knowledge and/or resources, resulting in fewer job prospects, social isolation, financial limitations and inadequate parenting and coping skills,” said Masuku.
He added that the department strives to expose learners to an extensive life-skills programme via the curriculum and also conducts targeted preventative programmes for learners who are at high risk or for schools that have a high learner pregnancy rate.
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