Ms Trishantha Mari was elated to graduate with a Master’s of Education in Educational Psychology. ‘This degree brings a profound sense of pride as it was a challenging journey. I am ecstatic to have reached such a high academic level, which stands as a testament to my dedication and hard work,’ she said.
As a third-generation educator in her family, teaching is not just a profession but a calling for Mari. ‘As a dedicated educator, I have the privilege of inspiring and guiding young minds, shaping the future of our society.’ This inspired her to conduct her study on: “Educators’ Experiences of Teaching Pregnant Learners in a Secondary School in the Umlazi District”.
As a teacher at a school with extremely high pregnancy rates, Mari wanted to delve deeper into the reasons why many learners fall pregnant at a young age. This led her to research the societal, familial, and educational factors contributing to early pregnancies.
The study highlights the impact and experiences of educators who are often the first to notice and address these issues. They play a crucial role in offering guidance, support, and education to help address this growing concern among young learners.
Mari also reviewed the Department of Education’s policies and whether educators adhere to these guidelines as well as the challenges encountered.
Her research findings show that pregnant learners have high rates of absenteeism, resulting in them missing out on work and assessments which negatively impacts their academic performance. Educators identified peer pressure, poverty and a lack of knowledge as key contributors to teenage pregnancy.
Mari found that educators made huge efforts to assist pregnant learners on maternity leave, taking on counselling roles and delivering material and assessments to learners at home, so they wouldn’t fall behind. They also requested that parents be called into school and called for more parental support to help learners complete their education.
The focus group discussions revealed that educators receive very little support from the Department of Education. Mari said that, ‘educators felt they were ill-equipped to deal with pregnant learners, as they lacked appropriate training. Furthermore, they found existing policies impractical, as they added to their already extensive daily responsibilities, resulting in additional stress.’
Mari hopes that the study will enlighten the Department of Education on the challenges educators face and how policies can be amended to be more practical. It also sheds light on common causes of teenage pregnancy, enabling stakeholders to intervene with effective prevention programmes. ‘This multi-faceted approach calls for holistic solutions inclusive of educators, parents and policymakers and will provide a more supportive learning environment for pregnant learners.’
Reflecting on her journey, she said, ‘my time at UKZN was both transformative and enriching. It shaped me into a resilient and determined individual. The academic environment was stimulating with knowledgeable lecturers and engaging coursework that challenged me to think critically and explore my potential.’ She made special mention of her supervisor Dr Visvaranie Jairam. ‘Dr Jairam motivated me throughout my master’s, constantly providing guidance and encouragement to persevere in challenging times.’
Mari expressed gratitude to her family who have been a constant support, especially towards the end of her master’s journey. ‘They have always shown me how proud they are of me, which motivated me to persevere through the toughest times. Additionally, a friend I have met along my academic journey, Ms Natalee Naicker, has been a pillar of strength offering unwavering support and camaraderie.’
Outside of her career, she cherishes spending time with her family, who make life’s journey an unforgettable adventure and with whom she shares a passion for exploration, travel and thrill-seeking.
Her journey continues as she aspires to someday be known as Dr T Mari.