Accelerated education program provisions and teen mothers’ access to secondary education in Nakivale and Palorinya Refugee Settlements

Abstract

The study evaluated the influence of Accelerated Education Program (AEP) provisions on teen mothers' access to secondary education in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District and Palorinya Refugee Settlement, Obongi District. The specific objectives were to evaluate existing AEP provisions, examine the barriers affecting access to secondary education for teen mothers, and assess the influence of AEP provisions on teen mothers' educational outcomes, economic empowerment, and social and emotional well-being. Existing related literature put forward by different scholars and personalities on the effect of the Accelerated Education Program provisions on teen mothers’ access to secondary education was reviewed to highlight the deviations in the explanations and to find a research gap. Literature Sources included published articles, magazines, dissertations, e-books and journals. The study was guided by Intersectionality theory, considering the multiple dimensions of teen mothers’ lives, including gender, age, developmental stage, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, minority group status, and migration experience. The study employed a cross-sectional and a comparative research design, using a mixedmethods approach to collect data from 108 teen mothers and 09 AEP providers in Nakivale and Palorinya refugee settlements. The study used semi-structured interviews, selfadministered questionnaires, and 04 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 41 participants to collect data. The instruments were validated and reliability tested using Cronbach's Alpha, with a value of 0.729. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), with descriptive statistics and frequency distribution used to analyze demographic data. The study adhered to ethical considerations, ensuring anonymity, confidentiality, and informed consent from participants. The research aimed to evaluate the influence of Accelerated Education Program provisions on teen mothers' access to secondary education, exploring relationships between variables and gathering in-depth information on experiences, challenges, and perceptions over the same. The findings revealed significant relationships between AEP provisions and age bracket, marital status, and country of origin, highlighting the importance of tailoring AEP to meet diverse needs. AEP's effectiveness varied across districts, with favourable provisions in Obongi but not Isingiro. Economic conditions and childcare facilities were unfavourable in both districts. School level of joining AEP significantly influenced access to the program. The study recommends expanding AEP, ensuring adequate funding, and tailoring programs to address unique challenges faced by teen mothers, such as childcare and flexible scheduling while taking gender into consideration. Additionally, the study recommends providing childcare facilities and support, flexible scheduling and attendance options, targeted academic support and resources, economic empowerment and livelihood opportunities, and social & emotional support and counselling. By addressing these recommendations, AEPs can better support teen mothers in accessing secondary education and improving their overall wellbeing.