President Magufuli bars teenage mothers from going to school

dimeji akinloye

June 24, 2017 12:40 PM

The President pointed that if pregnant teenagers are allowed back in school, it would encourage other school girls to engage in sexual activities.

Tanzanian President, John Magufuli

President of Tanzania,

Magufuli reportedly made the declaration on Thursday, June 22, 2017, while addressing Bagamoyo District residents during his three-day-tour of Coast Region.

He said foreign agents are behind some of the non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which have been urging the Tanzanian government to allow teen mothers back to school.

"There are many things that girls, who are impregnated can do after delivery; they can join VETA (Vocational Education Training Authority centres), they can learn sewing but they can’t go back to school," President Magufuli was quoted as saying.

He pointed that if pregnant teenagers are allowed back in school, it would send a wrong signal to other girls in the school - to engage in sex.

"If we were to allow them back to school, one day we will find all girls who are in Standard One have babies," he allegedly said.

The NGOs advocating for girls' rights to education, are said to be urging the government to formulate a legal framework that would allow teenage mothers to resume studies after giving birth.

dimeji akinloye