The Keeping Girls in School program in South Africa identifies
and supports female students who are at risk of dropping out
of school prematurely due to interlinking factors such as pregnancy,
poor academic performance, significant responsibilities at
home, and other health and social challenges.
Girls age 14-18 participate in peer education sessions, and
receive sexual and reproductive health and rights education.
Girls who are repeating grades or struggling academically are
offered weekly after-school tutoring to improve their academic
results. Career “jamborees” offer a window to potential employment
opportunities, and home visits are made when girls are
absent from school.
More than 50,000 girls have been reached since activities
started in May 2014, and participating schools have seen
declines in pregnancy and drop-outs. The grant will continue
through March 2019, aiming to reach 100 of the most vulnerable
girls in 50 secondary schools. In addition, each participating district
will be serviced by two mobile health units to provide HIV
testing, pregnancy tests, sexually transmitted infection diagnosis
and treatment, and contraception.