Malik Graphics Technologies

By Hlupekile Nkunika

Eastern Province Education Officer Allan Lingambe has dispelled media speculations that the covid-19 has fueled an increase in cases of teenage pregnancies and early marriages in Eastern Province as there is no data to prove that there has been an increase in the two social issues.

Speaking in an interview, Dr. Lingambe said contrary to the speculations in the media, latest data from the second quarter of 2020 show that there has been a reduction in both teen pregnancies and early marriages in the province.

He stated that the Ministry of General Education has not done an assessment to conclude that the pandemic has contributed to a rise in teen pregnancies and early marriages saying the assessments are done on a quarterly basis.

Dr. Lingambe noted that although the covid-19 pandemic might have a negative impact on the education sector, there is need to ascertain such speculations by carrying out a proper assessment.

He stated that there is need to prove if there is a linkage between the two social ills and the covid-19 pandemic as eastern province has been recording teen pregnancies and child marriages annually.

Recently, a teacher in Sinda district charged that the covid-19 pandemic has fueled an increase in teen pregnancies and early marriages.

Mulela Primary School Head Teacher in Sinda district, Francis Kangwa, alleged that three grade nine girls at his school fell pregnant.