The Makonde social-cultural values and primary school children’s teenage Pregnancy in Tandahimba district

This study Makonde Social-Cultural Values and Primary School Children’s Teenage Pregnancy in Tandahimba District attempted to find out the impact of Makonde Social Cultural Values on primary school teenage pregnancies in Tandahimba district. Specifically, the study investigated how the social cultural values namely female initiation rites’ (Unyago), polygamous marriage systems, divorce and initiation rites dances are related to teenage pregnancies. The qualitative approach was used to collect data from respondents including parents of dropout girls, pregnant school girls, teachers, and initiation instructresses. The study employed semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, documentary review and participatory observations. The findings revealed that part of the Makonde social cultural values namely female initiation training, polygamous marriage systems, divorce and night dances contribute to teenage pregnancies. Thus, some of the social cultural values of the Makonde culture act as factors contributing to primary schools girls’ teenage pregnancy through female initiation rites, polygamous marriage systems, night dances and divorce. The study findings imply that in order to eliminate teenage pregnancies in schools, the whole society should discourage these social cultural values and sensitize the community as a whole on their contribution to teenage pregnancies. Key stakeholders in education and health should collaborate in providing community education on the adverse effect of these cultural values.Thus, the study recommended the establishment of the Community Based Organizations comprising of multispectral rural population to educate and campaign for discouragement of these harmful cultural values that contribute to teenage pregnancies among primary school girls. In addition, formal curriculum should be established to ensure the victimized girls on teenage pregnancy would continue with schools until they complete the compulsory primary education.