How do GEC projects successfully utilise community-based structures?

Figure 2 summarises six characteristics of successful CBS utilisation by GEC projects. While the examples in the following sections provide in-depth descriptions of how projects engaged with CBSs, the primary focus of this review remains on the unifying characteristics and not the structures themselves. Thus, for example, the characteristic ‘projects nurtured agency’ (characteristic #2) was observed across a wide variety of communitybased structures, irrespective of the type of CBS, its location within the education sector or the project’s design.

Characteristic #1: Build upon existing CBS Evident in 8 projects

Characteristic #2: Nurture agency

Evident in 7 projects

Characteristic #3: Actively listen to communities

Evident in 6 projects

Characteristic #4: Capitalise on delivery to achieve more Evident in 5 projects

Characteristic #5: Partner with non-education CBS

Evident in 4 projects

Characteristic #6: Work within all levels of the system Evident in 2 projects

While Figure 2 summarises the six characteristics, Table 2 presents the characteristics observed by project. The most common characteristic – build upon existing CBSs – was observed in all eight projects; the least common characteristic – work within all levels of the system – was observed in two of the eight projects.

STAGES Afghanistan

STAGES Ethiopia

CHANGE Ethiopia

Let Our Girls Succeed Kenya

Jielimishe Kenya

TEAM Girl Malawi

TEACH Pakistan

GATE-GEC Sierra Leone