4 500 teengers get married

More than 4 500 teenagers in Zimbabwe dropped out of school to get married this year. But did you know it’s against the law to get married before you’re 18?


According to the Herald, 3 650 girls and 251 boys had dropped out of secondary school between January and November this year. Another 305 girls and 13 boys dropped out of primary school to say “I do”!


Many teenagers who leave school to get married say the do so because of religious reasons or poverty. But by dropping out of school, you’re missing out on an education. A solid education can help you get a job so you can earn more money.


And while both guys and girls drop out of school for marriage, it can be worse for girls. By dropping out of school early, girls often won’t have the right skills or education to get work.


Plus, teen marriage also means an increase in teen pregnancies. And teen moms are more likely to be victims of abuse. Without a good education to get a job, girls can be trapped in abusive marriages and poverty.


Staying in school can be tough - especially if there’s not a lot of money at home. Getting married might seem like your ticket to a better life. But the best way to improve your life is to finish primary and secondary schooling.


Child marriage is a violation of your rights and greatly reduces what you can earn in your lifetime. Delay marriage until you have invested in your education and health. If you are forced into it, report it to the police and they will help you. Girls who don’t marry young and finish school instead, go further in life.


What do you think drives most pupils to marry early?