The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to education systems worldwide, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. In Kenya, prolonged school closures threatened the educational futures of many adolescent girls. However, a recent study has shown that a simple intervention—a single cash transfer—can significantly enhance school re-enrollment rates among this group. This blog explores the findings of this research and offers insights for practitioners looking to improve educational outcomes through innovative approaches.
Understanding the Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The study titled "Effects of a Single Cash Transfer on School Re-enrollment during COVID-19 among Vulnerable Adolescent Girls in Kenya" utilized a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of an unconditional cash transfer on school re-enrollment. Conducted in urban informal settlements in Nairobi, the study targeted households with adolescent girls nearing secondary school completion. The transfer aimed to alleviate financial barriers to re-enrollment following the pandemic-induced school closures.
Key Findings
- Significant Increase in Re-enrollment: The cash transfer increased re-enrollment rates by 7.7 percentage points among the targeted girls.
- Greater Impact on Older Girls: The intervention was particularly effective for older girls and those who had not been enrolled earlier in the year.
- Potential Spillover Effects: While there was some evidence of negative spillovers on other children in the household, these were not robust across all analyses.
Implications for Practitioners
This study highlights several important considerations for practitioners aiming to improve educational outcomes through financial interventions:
Simplicity and Scalability
The success of the Kenyan cash transfer program underscores the value of simplicity and scalability in intervention design. By minimizing logistical complexity, such programs can be rapidly deployed and scaled up during crises, ensuring timely support for those most in need.
Targeting Vulnerable Populations
The findings emphasize the importance of targeting interventions towards those at higher risk of dropout, such as older girls or those with previous enrollment gaps. Tailoring programs to address specific vulnerabilities can enhance their effectiveness and ensure resources are directed where they are most needed.
Navigating Potential Spillovers
While the primary focus should remain on the target group, practitioners should also consider potential spillover effects on other household members. Comprehensive assessments and adjustments may be necessary to mitigate any unintended consequences.
Encouraging Further Research
This study provides a foundation for further exploration into the role of cash transfers in education, particularly during economic crises. Future research could investigate long-term impacts on educational attainment and explore complementary interventions that address other barriers to schooling, such as quality of education or health-related challenges.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Effects of a single cash transfer on school re-enrollment during COVID-19 among vulnerable adolescent girls in Kenya: Randomized controlled trial.
