Teen pregnancy a worrying trend

KARONGI – At least nine students from two schools in Karongi District this year dropped out of school after falling pregnant, school authorities have revealed. According to teachers who spoke to The New Times, the biggest number was reported at Groupe Scolaire de Nyegabo in Bwishyura sector, in which eight students dropped out , while at Groupe Scolaire de Nyabikenke one primary six girl was impregnated. Sources say these pregnancies have become a major concern among educators and parents. The headmistress of Groupe Scolaire de Nyabikenke, Berthilde Mukantaganzwa, says pre-marital sex has been attributed to this worrying trend in primary schools which needs to be urgently addressed. “In our school, one of the pupils is also said to have impregnated another young girl from another school and with this trend, there is a lot which needs to be done,” Mukantaganzwa said. Among the girls falling victim to this trend who were interviewed by The New Times are those who claimed that they were impregnated by their relatives. Marie Rose Uwihoreye, 15 is one of the affected students. She claims that she was raped by her uncle identified as Simon Munyakazi. The man was later arrested and charged with rape and defilement. “I was sent to visit my uncle who offered me so many incentives before raping and impregnating me. I was lucky not to have contracted HIV and now I am in school again,” a sobbing Uwihoreye said, adding that the baby died only two weeks after birth. According to 20-year old Vestine Mbabazi who also gave birth in January, students are lured into sex due to peer pressure.She dropped out in primary six. She further says that she wants to take care of her baby before she resumes school. “I had a boyfriend who impregnated me but he is willing to help me raise my baby girl before I can get to my normal life again,” she said. Mbabazi adds that she sometimes works on construction sites to supplement on their income. Ends