This experimental study intends to understand whether offering a path to return to formal education can improve the outcomes of young females. The study is being implemented within the study centres of BRAC’s Education, Empowerment and Life-skills for Adolescent Girls and Young Children (EELAY) project in Korogwe Rural and Tanga districts in Tanzania. The underlying hypothesis of the study is that females who drop out of schooling due to temporary shocks may not have a feasible method from the formal educational system to master the material, reintegrate after dropping out of school or invest in higher education. We also arrange to test this hypothesis at private learning centres.
Researchers: Dr Ketki Sheth and James Ward Khakshi
Partners: IDRC and J-PAL
Timeline: 2019–2023
Status: Ongoing
Contact: Julietha Komba
julieth.komba@brac.net
Context
Only four percent of Tanzanian youth complete their secondary education and less than a third of females who enter lower secondary schools graduate. Early pregnancy is a leading explanation for female drop out in Tanzania where schools consistently dismiss female students who are pregnant on the grounds of misdemeanours against morals or government procedures. However, besides individual benefits, a more educated labour force is predictive of economic growth. This suggests that there are potentially large returns to directing females back into higher education. BRAC’s EELAY project provides a compact course designed to accelerate learning to pass national exams required for earning secondary degrees and participating in tertiary education. This research aims to understand whether offering a path to return to formal education for those who have previously dropped out of secondary school can improve the outcomes of young females.
Research Questions
Methodology
This is an individual randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, stratified by EELAY and private centres. Initial interviews and selection narrowed the number of applicant pool aged 14-22 within the 25 EELAY and eight private centres in Korogwe Rural and Tanga districts in Tanzania. The program was offered to 838 students.
Findings
Study ongoing.
