Exploring the factors contributing to educational retention of girls with disabilities and their confidence in attending and remaining in school in Senegal

1. Document the experiences of girls with disabilities by capturing their perceptions about their educational participation, and confidence in attending and remaining in school
2. Explore teachers’ reflections about the experiences of girls with disabilities, including their confidence in attending school and remaining in school, and capture feedback on specific activities carried out under the ABW inclusive education project
3. Document parents’ and guardians/caregivers’ perceptions about the experience of school of girls with disabilities, including their confidence in attending school and remaining in school, and capture feedback on specific activities carried out as part of the ABW inclusive education project
4. Explore the perceptions of female community leaders trained on disability and inclusion about the experiences of girls with disabilities, including their confidence in attending and staying in school, and to gather feedback on specific activities undertaken as part of the ABW inclusive education project
5. Document factors contributing to the retention, attendance or decision to no longer attend school of girls with disabilities
6. Synthesise the information gathered from objectives 1-5 to identify areas of potential future focus for the ABW programme in West Africa, and other Sightsavers education projects and programmes, in order to enhance the confidence of girls with disabilities in attending and remaining in school, and their educational retention and progression

We explore the experiences of girls with disabilities in five target schools in Senegal, in relation to educational participation, confidence in attending school and remaining in school, and factors contributing to their successful progress through school, or to their leaving the formal education system.

This study will facilitate the formulation of recommendations to enhance the retention and confidence of girls with disabilities in attending school and hopefully reduce dropout rates.