Challenges experienced by pregnant adolescent learners in a school setting in Limpopo province

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy is a concern in the schools, both in the international and national arena. This social problem is confirmed by previous research studies conducted by the South African Department of Education in 2012.

Therefore a qualitative research approach was appropriate to determine the challenges experienced by pregnant adolescent learners. In this study applied research was applicable due to the fact that it focuses on problem solving in practice and emphasises the participation of the learners who are experiencing challenges by involving them in finding a solution to their challenges.

In this study the researcher wanted to make recommendations based on the results of the project, to address the challenges experienced by pregnant adolescent learners in the school setting. Teenage pregnancy is a concern in the schools, both in the international and national arena. This social problem is confirmed by previous research studies conducted by the South African Department of Education in 2012.

Therefore a qualitative research approach was appropriate to determine the challenges experienced by pregnant adolescent learners. In this study applied research was applicable due to the fact that it focuses on problem solving in practice and emphasises the participation of the learners who are experiencing challenges by involving them in finding a solution to their challenges.

In this study the researcher wanted to make recommendations based on the results of the project, to address the challenges experienced by pregnant adolescent learners in the school setting. In the context of qualitative research the collective case study design was applicable in this study; the researcher collected information through semi-structured interviews.

The researcher utilised a probability sampling technique, namely systematic sampling, to select a sample. Qualitative data was collected from a sample of 12 teenage pregnant learners in three different schools in the Department of Education, Seshego Circuit in the Limpopo province. Valuable conclusions emanated from the findings of this research study and relevant recommendations were made to prevent teenage pregnancy in the school setting.