Dissemination Meeting on Educational Gap Assessment for Second Chance Education

On the 3rd of October, 2024, the Katsina State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the AGILE Project and the State Agency for Mass Education (SAME), convened a dissemination meeting to present the findings of the Educational Gap Assessment on Second Chance Education. This assessment, conducted in July 2024, focused on identifying educational challenges for girls and young women, particularly in rural areas.

Key Outcomes:

1. Identification of Barriers to Education: The assessment identified several critical barriers hindering access to education for girls and young women, particularly in rural areas. These barriers included socioeconomic factors, cultural norms, and inadequate infrastructure. As a result, stakeholders now have a clear understanding of the key challenges affecting educational access in Katsina State.
2. Informed Policy and Program Adjustments: Based on the findings, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, AGILE Project, and SAME have committed to adjusting ongoing initiatives to better address the identified gaps. This will include targeted interventions aimed at increasing access to Second Chance Education for marginalized groups, particularly adolescent girls and young women.
3. Reinforcement of Commitment to Inclusive Education: The meeting reinforced the commitment of all stakeholders to expanding inclusive education opportunities. This includes the development of new strategies to ensure that those who have missed formal schooling—especially girls and young women—are provided with accessible, flexible pathways to education.
4. Strategic Planning for Future Interventions: Participants agreed on actionable next steps to tackle the educational gaps highlighted in the assessment. This includes collaborating with community leaders, enhancing advocacy efforts, and scaling up Second Chance Education programs in rural areas.
5. Increased Stakeholder Engagement: The dissemination meeting successfully brought together key stakeholders, including government agencies, educators, and community representatives. This engagement is expected to drive further collaboration and resource mobilization for future educational interventions in Katsina State.

Expected Long-Term Impact:

• The outcome of this meeting is anticipated to result in increased enrollment of out-of-school girls and young women into Second Chance Education programs.
• Strengthened policy frameworks and partnerships will lead to more inclusive and equitable access to education, ultimately reducing the educational gender gap in Katsina State.