In my line of work, I've witnessed a troubling trend that contributes to the rise in teen pregnancies, early marriages, and school dropouts in Zambia. Girls who pass their exams to attend secondary schools often face a significant barrier: the lack of boarding facilities. For those who live far from these schools, the only option becomes what is commonly referred to in Zimbabwe as "bush boarding," a practice where girls find rooms or houses to rent near the school, returning home only during weekends or at the end of the term.
School girls in Zambia wearing beige uniforms
Statistically, Chibombo district is one of the districts with the highest teen pregnancy in Central province according to the information in the Zambia national Health Management information system(HMIS, moh.gov.zm).
While bush-boarding allows them to continue their education, it also places them in vulnerable situations. These girls come from impoverished backgrounds and often lack the resources to meet their basic needs.
The need to survive compels some of them to enter relationships with older men or who provide for them in exchange for sexual favours. This dynamic has contributed significantly to the high rates of teen pregnancies, early marriages, and the subsequent dropping out of school.
The Role of the Government
Given this background, it is crucial to ask: what is the Zambian government doing to address this issue and protect these vulnerable girls? The lack of safe, affordable boarding options for secondary school girls in rural areas like Chibombo reflects a gap in the country's education policy and infrastructure development.
The government's efforts to provide free primary and secondary education are commendable, but they fall short when students lack safe and secure living conditions to continue their education.
There is an urgent need for the government to invest in building boarding facilities or provide safe, government-subsidized housing options for girls attending secondary school in rural areas. These facilities would not only provide a safe environment but also reduce the financial burden on the families of these young girls, allowing them to focus on their education rather than survival.
Recommended Solutions
In Zambia, organizations such as CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education) and Catalyst Foundation are making commendable efforts to support the education of girls in rural areas. However, there is still much more to be done. The scale of need far exceeds the current resources available, and many girls continue to struggle with basic survival, let alone educational expenses.
Therefore, it is imperative for more stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and other non-profits, to step up and expand the reach and availability of such scholarships and bursaries to ensure no girl is left behind. Some solutions are outlined below:
Construction of Boarding Facilities: The government should prioritize the construction of affordable and safe boarding facilities in rural secondary schools. This would provide a secure living environment, reduce the need for "bush boarding," and decrease the chances of girls falling into exploitative situations.
Provision of more available Scholarships and Bursaries: Offering targeted scholarships or bursaries for girls from low-income families is essential in alleviating some of the financial pressures that drive them to seek alternative, and often risky, means of support. This financial aid should extend beyond just covering school fees to include essential needs such as food, hygiene products, and school supplies, which are critical for enabling girls to stay in school and focus on their education.
Community Awareness and Support Programs: Implementing community-based programs that educate parents, guardians, and community leaders about the dangers of child marriages, teenage pregnancies, and the importance of girls' education is crucial. Community support structures can help monitor and provide assistance to girls at risk of dropping out due to financial or social pressures.
Youth-Friendly Health Services: Expanding access to youth-friendly health services, including family planning, sexual and reproductive health education, and counselling, is essential. These services should be easily accessible to girls in rural areas, enabling them to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
Safe Spaces for Girls: Establishing safe spaces where girls can gather, learn, receive mentorship, and acquire life skills training is crucial for empowering them to navigate their challenges. These spaces provide an environment where girls can build their confidence, learn about their rights, and develop the skills needed to protect themselves and make informed decisions. Local NGOs, community groups, and the government can support the creation of such safe spaces.
Legislative and Policy Reforms: Strengthening laws and policies that protect girls from sexual exploitation and child marriages is crucial. The government should enforce existing laws rigorously and ensure violators are held accountable.
Advocate for Girls to have Safer Housing
The bush boarding phenomenon in rural areas like Chibombo is a symptom of a larger systemic issue and a failure to provide safe and supportive educational environments for all children, especially girls.
To combat teen pregnancies, early marriages, and school dropouts, the government must take decisive action to address these gaps. By investing in boarding facilities, providing financial support, raising awareness, and enforcing protective laws, Zambia can ensure that every girl has the opportunity to pursue her education without compromising her safety and well-being.
It's time for the government, communities, and stakeholders to work together to create an environment where no girl is left behind.
Safety First for Girls (SAFIGI) offers a valuable resource in this context. SAFIGI has compiled a comprehensive resource list of organizations that promote holistic safety for girls. This list includes details on the specific services provided by these organizations, their locations, contact information, and their thematic focus areas. The resource can be an essential tool for girls who find themselves in crisis and need immediate help. By connecting girls with the right support networks, we can ensure they have access to the care and assistance they need to thrive, even in the face of adversity.
Contribute to this resource list by registering your solutions in the comment below.
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