Schooling-going mothers’ experiences in relation to teachers: A case of high schools in Leribe District, Lesotho

Abstract

This qualitative study reports on an investigation on experiences of school-going mothers at the Leribe district of Lesotho, with specific reference to how they view their relationship with teachers. Individual interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of ten young mothers from five different schools in high schools of Leribe district. The findings of the study have revealed a variety experiences young school-going mothers have to bear from teachers. These include humiliation, absence of attention, hostility, condemnation, threats of termination, less encouragement and insensitivity, lack of support from teachers. The researchers have leant through this study that teen mothers are rarely supported by teachers, thus resulting to an unpleasant experience. In the light of these findings, the study recommends that on returning to school, school-going mothers should be subjected to an integration programme. In addition, the Lesotho Department of education must initiate teacher training programmes to assist teachers eliminate their prejudices against young school-going mothers.