Class 8 pupil condemns the rise of teenage pregnancies during Covid-19 pandemic

IN SUMMARY

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·         There has been an increase in the number of teenage pregnancies especially after the closure of schools in March over Covid-19 scourge

·         Zipporah Nditi, a Standard 8 pupil at Sooma Primary appeals to President Kenyatta to help young girls realise their dreams of education by curbing the rampant cases of teenage pregnancies

·         The poem she recited was written by Francis Kaivilu, a Swahili poet and veteran journalist from Nuu in Mwingi Central Constituency

BY MUSYOKA NGUI

The war against teenage pregnancies in Kitui County has gotten a boost from a Class 8 pupil in Sooma Primary School, Kyangwithya West Ward, Kitui Central Sub County.

Zipporah Nditi, a candidate at Sooma Primary School in Kyangwithya West Ward of Kitui Central Sub County recites a poem against teenage pregnancies. She has appealed to President Kenyatta to help young girls who have been impregnated by men. Photo/MUSYOKA NGUI

Zipporah Nditi has recited a poem to castigate the rising cases of teenage pregnancies in the country. She attributes this to inducements that men allegedly employ to take advantage of young girls.

The five minute poem is aptly called Mtoto wa Kike Alindwe (Protect the Girl Child). It exposes the sufferings that girls go through after they are impregnated. They include dropping out of school, trauma occasioned by defilement and likelihood of leading a poor life given that they are unable to take care of their young ones and they defer their education dreams.

The 2020 candidate, like her colleagues, will not be sitting for her primary school exams this year given the education calendar was altered in March and the earliest pupils may return to school is January 2021.

The young girl advises her colleagues to resume studies even after delivering as a result of teenage pregnancies. She also urges parents to support their daughters in this.

Mwingi Times has obtained a video recording of the poem directed by Francis Kaivilu, a renowned Swahili poet and a journalist.  Earlier, Mr Kaivilu composed shairis with Taifa Leo which he published using Malenga Wa Nuu as his pen name. 

Watch the poem below and subscribe to  Kaivilu's channel. Enjoy!