Kenya’s Greenland Girls School offers teenage mothers a second chance at education

By Rédaction Africanews and AP

In Kenya, Greenland Girls School in Kajiado County is breaking new ground by providing education to teenage mothers, many of whom bring their children with them to the boarding school.

Classrooms and dormitories accommodate both students and their babies, creating a rare environment where education and motherhood go hand in hand.

For many young women rejected by their families or communities, the school offers a vital second chance. A 2015 study by the Population Council found that two-thirds of teenage mothers drop out of school due to pregnancy, and authorities stress the importance of allowing these girls to return to their studies.

School officials note that students often face challenges from family and community rejection, making the support provided by specialized schools like Greenland Girls critical.

Health and development experts also highlight that re-entry policies and targeted programs help close education gaps and promote equity for adolescent mothers.

The need for such institutions is underscored by recent statistics showing that in 2024, over 125,000 babies were born to girls under 19 in Kenya.

Greenland Girls School demonstrates how tailored educational programs can empower young mothers to continue learning while building a future for themselves and their children.