Community Perceptions of the Alternative Secondary Education Pathway Programme for Girls Affected by Early Pregnancies: A Case of Momba District, Tanzania

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the community’s perceptions of the Alternative Secondary Education Pathway Programme (ASEP) among girl victims of early pregnancies in Tanzania. The study was carried out in Momba District, Songwe Region. Qualitative approaches with descriptive design were used. The target population involved the Regional ASEP Coordinator, ASEP girls’ students, ASEP teachers and community members. Hence, the sample size of this study comprised 10 out-of-school girls, 1 Regional ASEP Coordinator, 5 ASEP teachers, 10 parents of the ASEP students, as well as 10 ASEP girls. Hence, making a total of 36 participants. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to obtain the sample. The interviews and focus group discussions were employed to obtain data from the participants. Findings revealed that the community has little knowledge about ASEP. It is therefore recommended that the Ministry of Education and
Science and Technology provide education about ASEP to community members and establish mobilization strategies to help adolescents, especially girls victimised by early pregnancies, enrol in ASEP.