The recommendations for addressing these issues can be broken down into:

• Those that deal with what is learned
• What competencies are addressed for a successful future
• What roles adults can play in preventing teen pregnancy

As far as the learning that needs to take place, schools need to set high standards for all students and adopt appropriate assessment and testing plans to identify effective curricula. In preparing students for successful futures, schools should strive to foster youth who are competent vocationally, physically, and socially. This which can be accomplished, at least in part, by incorporating character education it the school curriculum, providing carefully planned service learning activities in the school curriculum, and promoting extracurricular and after-school programs.

First schools can promote academic success, connectedness and self-worth, all of which have been shown to reduce high-risk behaviors among teens

Second schools can implement comprehensive programs that include support, education, tutoring, and recreation, also known to reduce high-risk behaviors before teen pregnancy

Third schools can implement programs aimed at positive youth development. Youth development programs are defined as including those prevention approaches that foster resiliency in children around these themes: Connectedness, Confidence, and Character.

• Connectedness means feeling safe, having close relationships with others and feeling like you belong to a particular group
• Confidence means having high self-worth, and feeling in control of one’s life
• Character involves feeling competent that the following are available and attainable: positive career choices, good health, and satisfying relationships with family, peers and other adults

Finally adults within and outside of the school system need to work together to share a common vision about education, make the most out of limited educational resources, and seek information about programs and curricula that have strong evidence of effectiveness.

With thanks from Adolescents

Support Organisations working with this vital cause:

Arepp Theatre for Life – Western Cape

Celebrate Life – South Africa

Conquest For Life – South Africa

Future of the African Daughter Project – Gauteng, Johannesburg, Diepsloot, Tembisa

Inqaba Yokulinda Youth Organisation – South Africa