The effectiveness of Community-based education interventions in enhancing access and retention of refugee girls: a case study of fuse women initiative.

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of community-based education interventions in enhancing access to and retention of refugee girls in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, with specific reference to FUSE Women Initiative. The study was guided by three objectives: to assess the contribution of mentorship programmes to access and retention of refugee girls’ education; to examine the contribution of scholarships and scholastic materials to access and retention; and to analyse the role of parental engagement, psychosocial support, life-skills training, and community sensitization in promoting retention among refugee girls. A mixed-methods approach employing a descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were collected from 90 respondents comprising refugee girls, parents/guardians, teachers, community leaders, and FUSE Women Initiative staff using questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that mentorship programmes positively contributed to improving school enrolment, attendance, confidence, motivation, and retention among refugee girls. Scholarships and the provision of scholastic materials significantly reduced financial barriers, improved regular school attendance, and increased learners’ participation in education. The study further established that parental engagement, psychosocial support, life-skills training, and community sensitization strengthened emotional well-being, parental involvement, community support, and girls’ resilience, thereby promoting sustained participation and reducing school dropout. The qualitative findings supported the quantitative results by demonstrating that integrated community-based interventions addressed multiple educational barriers experienced by refugee girls. The study concludes that community-based education interventions implemented by FUSE Women Initiative have made a significant contribution to enhancing both access to and retention of refugee girls in education within Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. However, challenges such as household poverty, early marriage, domestic responsibilities, inadequate educational resources, and socio-cultural barriers continue to affect educational outcomes, indicating the need for sustained and integrated interventions.