The Relevance of Mama Mkubwa Model in the Completion of Secondary School Education among Teen Mothers in Kalambo District – Rukwa Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Globally, school dropouts due to pregnancy are on the increase despite numerous efforts employed by the state government and the international community to address the problem. To address the problem, this work focuses on the community's indigenous knowledge, called the Mama Mkubwa model, which is embedded in Ubuntu philosophy, where teen mothers are sheltered at the community-built structure. The study aimed at identifying the roles and significance of the model in supporting teen mothers with their secondary school education. The study adopted a pragmatic philosophy, which allowed the utilization of a descriptive case study design. Data was collected from 13 respondents who were selected using systematic sampling. Using SPSS version 26 and Atlas. TI, quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed. This research has demonstrated the relevance of the Mama Mkubwa Model in supporting teen mothers to attain their secondary education. The findings indicate that protection from violence and abuse (32%) and provision of basic needs (26%) have more value and meaning when provided by the older women in tackling the specific challenges encountered by teen mothers. The model demonstrated its usability in enhancing retention and completion rates; nevertheless, its success depends on ongoing community aspiration and support. Policymakers and educational stakeholders must consider formalising the Mama Mkubwa Model to foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. From these findings, it can be deduced that future research may investigate the enduring effects of the Mama Mkubwa Model on the career trajectories and economic empowerment of teen mothers.