Keep In School – Complete School: A Poetic Cry Against Early Pregnancy and Marriage

KEEP IN SCHOOL – COMPLETE SCHOOL: A Poetic Cry Against Early Pregnancy and Marriage

In a society where early pregnancy and child marriage continue to derail the futures of thousands of girls, a powerful poetic performance by a young girl from the Rwenzori sub-region has reignited the national conversation on girls’ education and responsibility.

In a moving recital captured on video, Biira Marion, a member of the Rwenzori Cultural Troop (RCT), delivers a poem that confronts the harsh realities and lifelong consequences of early marriage and teenage pregnancy. Through poetry, she gives voice to the silent struggles of many girls whose dreams are prematurely cut short by social neglect, poverty, and cultural pressure.

The poem, centered on the theme “Keep in School – Complete School,” challenges parents, guardians, religious leaders, security agencies, and the wider community to reflect on their role in shaping the destiny of the girl child. It asks a piercing question: Do we sit down with our children and teach them the value and purpose of education?

Education as Protection, Not Privilege

Biira’s performance underscores a critical truth — education is not merely an academic pursuit but a powerful shield against exploitation, early pregnancy, and forced marriage. Girls who remain in school longer are more likely to delay marriage, make informed life choices, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Uganda continues to grapple with alarming rates of teenage pregnancy, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities. According to recent reports, many of these cases stem from lack of parental guidance, limited access to reproductive health information, school dropouts, and harmful social norms that normalize early marriage for both girls and boys.

The poem highlights how early marriage often traps young girls in cycles of poverty, domestic violence, ill health, and dependency — outcomes that could largely be prevented through sustained education and mentorship.

A Collective Responsibility

Beyond awareness, the message is a call to action. Biira’s words emphasize that safeguarding the girl child is not the sole duty of parents but a shared responsibility. Communities must actively participate in moral guidance, mentorship, and the promotion of life skills.

Religious leaders are urged to preach values that protect childhood and dignity. Police and local authorities are reminded of their role in enforcing laws against child marriage. Educators and cultural institutions are encouraged to use creative platforms — like poetry, music, and drama — to communicate messages that resonate with young people.

Culture as a Tool for Change

The involvement of the Rwenzori Cultural Troop (RCT) demonstrates how culture can be a powerful instrument for social transformation. By blending tradition with advocacy, RCT uses performance art to address contemporary challenges affecting children and youth.

Through Biira Marion’s poem, culture becomes both a mirror and a megaphone — reflecting society’s failures while amplifying the urgent need for reform.

The Way Forward

As Uganda strives to meet its education and gender equality goals, voices like Biira’s remind the nation that policies alone are not enough. Continuous sensitization, open dialogue with children, vocational training, innovation, and creativity must be embraced to keep young people — especially girls — focused, protected, and hopeful.

The message is simple but profound: keep girls in school, let them complete their education, and the nation secures its future.

For community sensitization and cultural advocacy engagements, the Rwenzori Cultural Troop (RCT) can be reached via:
0782 768392 / 

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