Sédhiou is mobilizing to eradicate early pregnancies in schools

In Sédhiou, the worrying phenomenon of unwanted early pregnancies in schools is attracting attention. This problem, which negatively impacts the performance of young girls, prompted the academy inspector to call for collective mobilization to stem this reality. The project entitled “Zero unwanted early pregnancies in schools” was officially launched on January 16 by the organization Marie Stoppes International (MSI) Senegal. This initiative aims to support and promote the academic success of girls.

This approach is supported by MSI, in collaboration with the Sédhiou academy, the school medical inspection division and the Ministry of National Education. Emmanuel Diop, deputy country director of MSI/Senegal, explains that strategic and operational actions are underway to support local educational efforts. He says MSI is “not only strategically but also financially” committed to monitoring and evaluating these initiatives.

The academy inspector, Cheikh Yaba Diop, underlines the importance of a concerted approach to deal with the harmful consequences of these pregnancies. He declares: “Having such a project in Sédhiou will most certainly allow us to counter this phenomenon. With a multisectoral approach involving the regional health department, we are working to find solutions to eradicate this problem, while supporting young pregnant girls so that they can continue their studies. »

The pilot phase of the project concerns two middle schools and two high schools, but the academic inspectorate wants an extension to other educational establishments via the PADES 2 project, which supports the development of education in Senegal. For her part, Salimata Sow, a student at Bounkiling high school and student leader animator, is committed to raising awareness among her peers. She states: “Early pregnancies hinder girls’ education; it is crucial to share the knowledge acquired to change this. »

During the launch ceremony, hygiene kits were distributed to students of the schools concerned. Note that the access rate of girls to elementary education in Sédhiou reaches 97%, but the completion rate at the secondary level is alarming, limited to 16% compared to 29% at the national level.

This initiative was reported by our colleagues at Sud Quotidien, who highlight the essential educational issues in Sédhiou.