A school in Kenya is providing teenage mothers with a pathway back into education by combining secondary schooling with on-site childcare.

At Greenland Girls School, 19-year-old Valarie Wairimu balances her studies with caring for her infant son. During breaks, she visits the school’s nursery, where staff look after students’ children while they attend lessons.

The boarding school, established in 2015, supports more than 300 students and over 80 children. It is run by Shining Hope for Communities and offers places through grants. The institution works with outreach officers and social services to identify and refer pregnant teenagers, particularly from Kajiado County and other regions.

School officials say many students face rejection from families and communities. Some pregnancies result from sexual assault or forced marriages. The school provides counselling, mentorship and childcare, aiming to enable students to complete their education.

Manager Paul Mukilya said the school also engages with community leaders to secure support for students’ enrolment. Staff assist with legal processes in cases involving minors, as sexual activity involving those under 18 is illegal in Kenya.

According to national statistics, more than 125,000 live births in 2024 were to adolescent mothers under 19. Research by Population Council found that pregnancy was a leading cause of school dropout among teenage girls, while IDinsight identified unintended pregnancy as a key barrier to returning to education.

The school plans to expand with a second campus in Kilifi County to meet demand from coastal regions.

Dr Githinji Gitahi, chief executive of Amref Health Africa, said re-entry into education for pregnant students is essential, adding that specialised institutions can support broader policy efforts.

Students at the school report that a supportive environment has enabled them to continue their studies and plan for future careers.

Inputs from PTI

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