Kano Launches School Re-entry Guidelines For Married, Adolescent Mothers

Kano State government has launched Re-entry Education Guidelines for married adolescents and adolescent mothers to provide opportunities for girls who dropped out of school due to marriage or childbirth to return and complete their education.

The guidelines, developed by the Kano State Ministry of Education in collaboration with ACE Charity and supported by the Malala Fund, are designed to ensure that marriage does not permanently end girls’ access to learning.

During a press briefing in Kano after the launch, Head of Office, ACE Charity, Mrs Eno Simon, said the initiative was based on research findings showing that many married adolescents remain interested in continuing their education despite various barriers.

Simon disclosed that a study conducted by ACE Charity, with support from the Malala Fund, showed that 99 per cent of married adolescents surveyed expressed a willingness to return to school.

She identified financial difficulties, childcare responsibilities, transportation costs, domestic duties and social stigma as some of the major challenges preventing married girls from going back to school.

The ACE Charity official said the findings also disproved assumptions that communities reject the education of married girls, noting that religious and traditional leaders largely support efforts to reintegrate them into the education system.

She added that many husbands were willing to support their wives’ education if challenges such as affordability, childcare and flexible learning arrangements were addressed.

“The guidelines provide practical solutions through flexible learning pathways, strengthened learning centres, childcare and psychosocial support, facilitator training, community sensitisation and the involvement of traditional and religious leaders,” Simon said.

She explained that the document outlines the responsibilities of government agencies, schools, community groups, development partners and civil society organisations in ensuring effective implementation.

According to her, the impact of the policy would be measured by the number of married adolescents and adolescent mothers who successfully return to school and complete their education.

She urged stakeholders to support the implementation of the guidelines, stressing that every girl who wishes to continue her education should be allowed to pursue her aspirations.