A 45-minute drive from Mpwapwa District town lies Pwaga Village, where many families depend on sunflower farming to put food on the table. Yet, for some girls in this community, dreams of education and a future are cut short before they have a chance to take shape.
Neema’s* dream was shuttered at just 17. She became pregnant. Her chance to continue with education became fragile. She had to leave school and returned home where she spent her days doing household chores.
For many girls, despite pregnancy interrupting their education and make returning to school difficult, they face uncertainty about their future and need support from their families and communities to continue learning. Neema was in this situation, and returning to school depended partly on whether her family and school would support her decision.
A change began when a CDF-supported Parents’ Group visited Neema’s family and spoke with her mother about the importance of allowing girls who have dropped out of school due to various reasons including pregnancy to continue their education. Through these conversations her mother was reluctant and later on she was encouraged to support Neema’s return to school. With this support, Neema decided to resume her studies.
For Neema, the decision meant reclaiming an opportunity she thought she had lost. Returning to school gave her the chance to learn alongside her friends again and continue working towards her goals.
“I feel good now because I thought that was the end of my education. What I am most proud of since returning to school is studying with my friends. I feel that my dreams and the goals I have set for myself will come true,” Neema says.
Although her education was interrupted, she has another opportunity to pursue the career she aspires.
“I love cooking, and I am determined to become a professional chef after completing my education.” Neema says.
Every girl deserves the opportunity to continue her education and build her future. By challenging stigma, engaging parents and supporting school re-entry, families and communities can help ensure that pregnancy does not become a permanent barrier to education.
Neema is back in school, working towards her dream, and her story is a reminder of what becomes possible when a girl is given another chance in education.
