Returning to learn: an exploration of motivations behind adolescent student mothers’ school re-entry in Tanzania

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dc.contributor.authorMwakililo, Pendo Samson
dc.contributor.authorMagere, Grace Makunja
dc.date.accessioned2026-03-11T10:46:00Z
dc.date.available2026-03-11T10:46:00Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.descriptionJournal article
dc.description.abstractThis 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.
dc.identifier.citationhttps://doi.org/10.46606/eajess2025v06i05.0465.
dc.identifier.issn2714-2132
dc.identifier.urihttps://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/20.500.14820/7374
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherAJOL (G-Card )
dc.relation.ispartofseriesEAJESS September-October 2025, Vol. 6, No. 5, pp. 49-62.
dc.subjectAdolescents
dc.subjectStudent mothers
dc.subjectMotivation
dc.subjectReentry
dc.subjectTanzania
dc.titleReturning to learn: an exploration of motivations behind adolescent student mothers’ school re-entry in Tanzania
dc.typeArticle

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