Effectiveness of Mentorship Programs in Curbing Teenage Pregnancy in Schools in Kilifi County, Kenya

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy teenage pregnancy has been identified as one of the reasons for girls dropping out from school in Kilifi the study sought to examined the effectiveness of mentorship programs in curbing teenage pregnancy in schools in Kilifi County, Kenya. The study was guided by Rational Emotive Behavior Theory by Albert Ellis and Resilience theory. The study employed descriptive research design. The researcher employed purposive sampling in selecting the counseling teachers, class teachers and some few students. The target population was emanated from guidance and counseling teachers, class teachers and some few students are involved in curbing pregnancy based in Kilifi County. According to Kilifi county education office there are 3918 class teachers drawn from 26 secondary schools in Kilifi Sub County. The study also targeted class prefects who represented other student, each school produced 4 prefects one in each form therefore the total target population was 104 prefects. The study also selected at least one guidance and counseling teacher from each school therefore the total target population was 26 guidance and counseling teachers. Since the number of students and guidance and counseling teachers were small the study adopted census technique to incorporate all 104 prefects and 26 guidance and counseling teachers. Primary sources such as semi structured questionnaires were used in data collection. A pilot study was conducted on a small sample size. Validity was determined through the help of expert judgment (the supervisor) who assessed the instrument and find out if it answers the phenomenon under study. Quantitative and qualitative data was used in data analysis. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24.0 and presented in the report in the form of tables, bar charts and graphs. Pearson's correlation analysis was also used to establish the relationship between the variables. Based on the findings, the study concluded that sport activities destruct teenagers from engaging in irresponsible sexual behaviour which help in curbing teenage pregnancy. The researcher recommends that the ministry of education should carry out rigorous community sensitization on importance of educating pregnant and parenting teenage mothers.