Abstract:

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees all citizens the right to education, freedom, and security, as articulated in the Bill of Rights. Despite these protections, teenage pregnancy continues to undermine adolescents’ educational access and attainment, particularly in communities where its prevalence remains high. This paper investigates the effects of teenage pregnancy on learners' educational aspirations and academic performance in secondary schools within the Warmbaths Circuit, and examines the roles of key stakeholders in addressing this challenge.

A qualitative research design was employed, drawing on data generated through semi-structured interviews conducted in two secondary schools with high incidences of teenage pregnancy. Open-ended questions facilitated deeper insight into how teenage pregnancy shapes learners’ experiences, including its influence on teacher-learner relationships and school engagement.

Ethical considerations were prioritised by using pseudonyms to protect participants’ identities and ensure a safe environment for discussing sensitive issues. Findings indicate that teenage pregnancy significantly disrupts young mothers’ academic trajectories, often resulting in reduced participation, emotional strain, and compromised performance.

The study recommends strengthened collaboration among stakeholders, including parents, educators, community structures, and the Department of Education. This will help implement cohesive, context-responsive strategies aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy and supporting affected learners.

Keywords:

Teenage pregnancy, learner aspirations, educational access, stakeholder collaboration, high school dropout.