THE high number of pregnancies among pupils in schools is indicative of how much work there is to be done by not only school authorities but, most importantly, parents to curb the problem.
While schools are there for children to learn basic skills in reading and writing, as well as learn how to be independent from their parents, parents also have a responsibility to shape children’s sense of responsibility.
It is this sense of responsibility that should help them steer clear of wrong doing or vices that lead to early pregnancies.
It is sad to read that children barely in their teens have to be excused from school because they have fallen pregnant and need to take a break until after delivery.
In many cases, the pupils are not motivated to return to school after having their children and in other cases, they are quickly married off despite them being below the consensual age.
In a society, especially in rural areas, where early marriages have been the norm in the past, it is not surprising that the rate of pregnancies is still sizable in schools.
As Government, works towards eradicating early marriages and teenage pregnancies, it is clear that if other players are not involved, it would be a fight lost even before it has started.
Various civil society organisations have given their voice and undertaken programmes to help eradicate these vices and at the moment, society seems to be responding well.
Hence, it is encouraging that key players in society, such as traditional leaders have openly denounced early marriages and teen pregnancies, Chief Mumena of North-Western Province being one of note.
To echo the Kaoma High School head’s words, stakeholders need to be involved to curb the problem.
Having received 30 pupils in the Grade 10 intake, who were already pregnant, this plea is not to be taken lightly.
He is right in many respects but while civil society, traditional leaders, Government, the church, and school authorities are  already involved, it still remains for individual families to lead this surge.
Parents have a bigger role to watch over their children and guide them in the manner they conduct themselves with regards their sexuality.
It should no longer be taboo for parents to engage their offspring on the dangers of pre-marital sex.
If the parents are not fulfilling their responsibility of ‘training a child in the ways that he should go so that when he is older, he does not depart from it’, it becomes difficult for school authorities to be the ones to do it.
Let us not leave parenting to teachers but be part of a successful growth process of our children. OPINION