ted boys and girls who had dropped out successfully returning. Despite these encouraging efforts, dropout rates remain a major concern in Ntcheu, standing at 5% for both girls and boys (Ntcheu District Education Office, 2023). Children who are out of school are more likely to fall victim to child labour and early marriage, putting them at a higher risk of abuse and exploitation (UNICEF, 2021).

This report presents findings from a qualitative study conducted with Mother Group members across Ntcheu District, Malawi. The purpose was to explore their experiences and strategies in supporting adolescent girls to remain in or return to school. The study was guided by a structured FGD tool and focused on six thematic areas

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Abwenzi A Ana (AAA) is a 10-year program implemented by Save the Children in partnership with Youth for Development and Productivity (YODEP), Rays of Hope Ministries (RAHOM), and Future4All in Ntcheu district. The program aims to protect girls most affected by inequalities and discrimination from sexual violence and exploitation, working in four Traditional Authorities (TAs) Makwangwala, Kwataine, Njolomole, and Champiti.

The program supports adolescent boys and girls to access ASRH services as part of its efforts in contributing to the prevention of early marriage and pregnancy and enhancing the overall well-being of adolescents. These efforts complement other initiatives offered by the project in protecting children from all forms of exploitation and abuse, giving them a better chance of completing their education.

Despite these efforts, access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among adolescents in the project impact area remained low, with a contraceptive prevalence rate of only 5% and SRH knowledge levels at 23% (AAA Annual Survey, 2023). Previous studies demonstrated that barriers such as limited awareness, stigma, cultural norms, and logistical challenges hindered service uptake (UNFPA, 2022; WHO, 2021).

This qualitative study sought to ex