The government has directed all school authorities to enforce a zero-exclusion policy that guarantees victims of early pregnancy and child marriage an immediate return to the classroom.
Speaking during a recent Question-and-Answer session in the National Assembly, the Deputy Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, Angeline Gata, said that Circular Number 18 of 2024 requires schools to remain open, accessible, and welcoming environments for all children—including those who become pregnant or marry while enrolled.
Responding to questions regarding high dropout rates among minors under 17, Deputy Minister Gata stressed that the state will not allow illegal marriages to permanently rob children of their future.
She also revealed that the government has instructed schools to provide flexible conditions that allow nursing teenage mothers to breastfeed their babies while continuing with their academic studies.
“The Ministry’s policy is clear that schools must remain open, accessible, and friendly environments for all children, including those who become pregnant or marry while enrolled,” said Gata.
“Circular Number 18 of 2024 provides detailed guidance on the processes for continuing education for pregnant girls and teenage mothers, including provisions for flexible conditions to enable nursing young mothers to breastfeed their babies while continuing with their academic programmes.
“Guidance and Counselling Committees are mandated to conduct regular counselling sessions for these learners and their peers to protect them from negative stereotyping.”
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