IMPLICATIONS OF (PAULO) FREIRE’S CONSCIENTIZACAO IN MITIGATING TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KAKAMEGA CENTRAL SUB –COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The study explored the implication of Paulo Freire’s conscientizaçao in mitigating teenage pregnancy in public secondary schools in Kakamega central sub county, Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to assess the nature of teenage pregnancy in public secondary schools in Kakamega Central sub county, Kenya in the light of Freirean Praxeology, to examine the viability of Paul Freire’s conception of critical consciousness on mitigating teenage pregnancy in Kakamega Central sub county, Kenya and to examine Freire’s critical pedagogy in curbing teenage pregnancy in Kakamega Central sub county Kenya. The study was anchored on critical theory of Freire. Mixed paradigm design was adapted for the study. The paradigm includes empirical and philosophical designs. Empirical method was for objective one and rational method was employed in objective two and three. Five schools with expectant and teen mothers out of seventeen schools were purposively sampled. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample size of 40 respondents for the study. The sample size included five (5) principals, five (5) guidance and counseling teachers, five (5) class teachers and twenty-five (25) expectants and teen mothers. Descriptive survey was used to collect qualitative data for objective one. Respondents were exposed to questionnaires and interview schedules. The study used hermeneutical phenomenological method, critical Method and analytical method. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that peer pressure was the main cause of teenage pregnancy. Therefore, Freire’s critical consciousness, pillars of Critical consciousness, suitable critical pedagogies and Developed universal intellectual traits by Paul & Elder, were identified as the possible cognitive remedies for teenage pregnancy in public secondary schools in Kakamega central sub county, Kenya. In line with the findings of this study, it was recommended that National and county governments should launch nationwide campaigns and awareness of peer pressure as the main cause of teenage pregnancy. Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) should also formulate practical content related to Freirean critical consciousness and suitable critical pedagogies.