Although rates of teenage pregnancy in South Africa have been steadily declining, adolescent girls are still more likely to get pregnant in South Africa than in most low- and middle-income countries. Early and unintended pregnancy can severely disrupt a young person’s chances of completing school with a matric certificate. One in three girls who become pregnant between the ages of 10 and 19 years do not return to school after giving birth.

In this Learning Brief we unpack ways to break the cycle, and take a look at practical interventions that can be implemented at a school level. Many parenting learners want to return to school but lack the support needed to keep a grip on their education. It’s evident that schools, households, neighbourhoods and policymakers have a role to play in determining whether a young mother returns to school.