Evidence on Programmes that have Supported School Return for Disadvantaged Adolescent Girls

Abstract

This paper collates evidence on promising programmes that have supported school return for disadvantaged out-of-school girls in Rwanda and in other comparable low-and-middle-income country contexts. The review found evidence showing that interventions that address financial barriers which keep girls out of school delivered through cash transfers, stipends/fee waivers, and girls only scholarships can be effective in enhancing school return for disadvantaged girls. In addition, there is a strong evidence base showing that multi-faceted programmes that integrate health education, foundational skill training, vocational training, and financial literacy are effective in supporting school return for disadvantaged adolescent girls. While results from systematic reviews show that girls clubs can be effective in supporting school retention for disadvantaged girls, there is limited evidence on effectiveness of clubs in supporting school return for disadvantaged girls. The review found very limited evidence on effectiveness of financial and multi-faceted interventions in supporting school return for disadvantaged girls with disabilities.