Balancing Quality, Intensity and Scalability: Results of a multi-level sexual and reproductive health intervention for very young adolescents in Kinshasa

In Kinshasa, DRC, Growing Up GREAT! implemented a scalable approach to engage in and out-of-school VYAs, caregivers, schools, and communities. A quasi-experimental study evaluated the outcomes of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, assets and agency, and gender-equitable attitudes and behaviors among VYA participants. Ongoing monitoring and qualitative studies provided insights into implementation challenges and contextual factors.

Results show significant improvement in SRH knowledge and assets such as caregiver connectedness, communication, and body satisfaction among the intervention group. The intervention was also associated with significant improvements in gender-equitable attitudes related to adolescents’ household responsibilities and decreased teasing and bullying.