Exploring intervention strategies to minimise girl-child pregnancies in senior secondary schools in the Ohangwena region, Namibia

Abstract

This study explored the intervention strategies to minimise girl-child pregnancies in senior secondary schools in the Ohangwena region, Namibia. The study focused on the causes of girl-child pregnancies in the study area and explored the strategies that can be implemented to curb the phenomenon. To achieve the objectives, the study used a phenomenology qualitative research design. Furthermore, the study participants were selected using the purposive sampling method. Purposive sampling means that participants are selected because of some defining characteristics that make them the holders of the data needed for the study. For this study, participants comprised three Life Skill teachers, and three principals, from three senior secondary schools in the Ohangwena region, Namibia. The data were collected through interviews. The findings of the study revealed that factors that caused girl-child pregnancies in the region included poverty, peer pressure, lack of sex education, lack of parental guidance, cultural and traditional practices, and ignorance on the part of learners. Strategies used to curb girl-child pregnancies were the effective implementation of sex education, counselling and the provision of condoms. Suggested mitigation measures to minimise girl-child pregnancies were more parental involvement, more sex education and more schools with hostels for girls. The study recommended girls need more education about the danger of peer pressure. Schools should intensify campaigns on sexual abuse. Girls should be encouraged to report any sexual abuse. More sex education to reduce girl-child pregnancies in the region. Parents should be encouraged to be open and talk freely about adult life and sex lives. The government should employ qualified counsellors or psychologists in schools not just life skills teachers and build more schools with hostels to accommodate more girl-children.