UCT Medical Students Tackle Teenage Pregnancy Through Education

Teenage pregnancy remains a critical issue in South Africa, with 132,280 recorded deliveries among teenagers under 20 years old in 2023 alone. Alarmingly, 3,497 of these births involved children between the ages of 10 and 14. Recognizing the urgent need for better sexual education, a group of passionate fourth-year medical students from the University of Cape Town took action. Led by David, Kamogelo, Mamello, Tanner, Roné, Hannah, Kamvelihle, and Awethu, and guided by Baheya Najaar, they launched an educational campaign aimed at Grade 6 and 7 learners in a Cape Town primary school. Their goal was clear: to close the knowledge gap in primary school curricula and empower young students with information about contraception, consent, and bodily autonomy.

Rather than relying on traditional lectures, the team designed an interactive workshop that engaged students through relatable content. Role-playing and skits brought real-life scenarios to life, while the use of teenage slang made the conversations more approachable. A particularly memorable moment involved balloon demonstrations to illustrate the realities of pregnancy, reinforcing the importance of safe sexual practices. To wrap up the session, students took part in a lively song about consent, ensuring that the key messages remained with them beyond the classroom. Alongside these activities, the team provided pamphlets, PowerPoint presentations, and helped the school develop a teenage pregnancy policy to ensure long-term impact.

Throughout the campaign, the students encountered common misconceptions that highlighted the need for better education. Many young learners believed that boys alone were responsible for preventing pregnancy or that pregnancy couldn’t occur the first time someone had sex. Others assumed that irregular periods acted as a natural contraceptive. By addressing these myths head-on, the UCT students worked to correct misinformation and encourage responsible decision-making. However, the process was not without challenges. Discussing sexual health with young learners required a careful balance—ensuring that the content was both age-appropriate and informative. Additionally, many students had already been exposed to misinformation from peers and social media, making it essential to create a safe space where they felt comfortable asking questions and challenging their preconceptions.

Beyond the classroom, the campaign aimed to spread awareness to a wider audience. Kamvelihle emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge beyond school walls, ensuring that students could pass on what they had learned to their friends and families. Their interview on Bush Radio 89.5FM played a crucial role in amplifying this message, reaching young people across Cape Town and beyond. As the session came to a close, Tanner left young listeners with a powerful message: “Your future is valuable, and the choices you make today will shape your opportunities tomorrow. Educate yourself, protect yourself, and make responsible decisions when it comes to your sexual health.”

This initiative is a testament to how young medical professionals are stepping up to tackle pressing social issues. Through education, engagement, and community-driven efforts, they are making a tangible impact, equipping young South Africans with the knowledge they need to make informed and responsible choices. 

Written by Camille De Vos