DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 13 -- A comprehensive research study has laid bare a surprising if not ironic result: most Tanzanian girl-students who return to school after giving birth prefer informal education to the formal system.

The study, launched in Dar es Salaam by Prof Sempeho Siafu of the Institute of Adult Education (IAE), reveals why the governments 2021 school re-entry policy, though progressive on paper, is facing practical hurdles on the ground.

A bold policy, a messy reality

The re-entry policy, introduced in 2021, allows students who dropped out — including those who left school due to pregnancy to resume their education. It was officially rolled out with the National Re-entry Implementation Plan and the Study on Impact Ass...