UNICEF - Participatory Research with Adolescents to Unpack How Decisions are Made Whether to Stay in School in Zambia

August 2019

Commissioned by UNICEF Zambia, Samuel Hall conducted a highly qualitative study on ‘how decisions are made on whether or not adolescents (age 10-19) complete their schooling in Zambia’. With fieldwork in eight districts across the country – namely, Lusaka, Rufunsa, Katete, Petauke, Luwingu, Lunga, Mufulira, and Senanga – the study provides an understanding of the decision-making process around school retention/drop-out. It also investigates the interplay between diverse factors and actors, and identifies the key components influencing schooling decisions. The research culminated in rigorous analysis of decisions-making processes and individual journeys of school drop-out/retention in Zambia as well as recommendations to enable implementing actors to develop youth-supportive and evidence-based (education) interventions in the future.

Download Report

Download Katete District Report

Download Petauke District Report

Download Rufunsa District Report

Download Senanga District Report

Download Luwingu District Report

Download Lunga District Report

Download Mufulira District Report

Download Lusaka District Report