Returning to learn: an exploration of motivations behind adolescent student mothers’ school re-entry in Tanzania
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AJOL (G-Card )
Abstract
This paper explored the reasons prompting adolescent student mothers to return to secondary schools in
Tanzania, particularly in the Mbeya region. Employing a single case study approach, the study intentionally
selected 20 adolescent student mothers. Data collection involved focus group discussions and an open-
ended questionnaire to gain comprehensive insights into the factors that influence adolescent mothers'
decisions to resume education after childbirth. The paper is rooted in Lazarus's (1991) Cognitive Motivational
Relational Theory (CMRT), which focuses on how individuals' cognitive evaluations and motivations drive
their choices and actions in facing challenges. The findings highlight four primary motivations for school
reentry: aspirations for career advancement, pursuit of financial independence, setting a positive example
for their children and rectifying past mistakes. These motivations reflect the resilience of adolescent
mothers, who perceive education as a means to overcome difficulties, improve their socio-economic
conditions and enhance their children's future opportunities. The study implies a need for educational
policies and practices that support adolescent student mothers, including adaptable school schedules,
financial assistance and counselling services to help them effectively manage schooling concurrent with
motherhood. Additionally, it recommends that educational institutions and policymakers foster inclusive
environments that cater to the specific needs of adolescent mothers, promoting their commitment to
education.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Adolescents, Student mothers, Motivation, Reentry, Tanzania
Citation
https://doi.org/10.46606/eajess2025v06i05.0465.