The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors has approved a new initiative aimed at assisting 500,000 adolescents in Meghalaya, India. The project seeks to address issues related to school dropouts, enhance learning outcomes, and provide guidance for accessing employment and starting businesses.
Adolescents in Meghalaya face significant challenges in education and health. Over 24 percent of the state's population comprises adolescents, with school dropout rates at the upper primary level reaching 11 percent—three times the national average—and 22 percent at the secondary level, nearly double the national average. Factors such as substance abuse, early marriage, and teenage pregnancy have compounded these issues.
The $35 million Meghalaya Multisectoral Project for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment and Resilience (MPOWER) aims to improve educational outcomes for students in grades 6-12 by addressing gaps in reading and math skills. The project will focus on life skills development, mental health awareness, and career guidance to reduce dropout rates. Efforts will also target student dropouts by providing them similar support. In collaboration with the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society, business skills training will be offered to aspiring entrepreneurs and out-of-school adolescents.
Mentoring programs, web platforms, and community clubs are part of the project's strategy to engage parents and students through various learning forums. Information on sexual reproductive health will be provided to help decrease teen pregnancies and ensure school completion.
“The holistic wellbeing approach, adopted under this project, reflects learning from states such as Jharkhand where similar initiatives are enhancing adolescent learning outcomes,” stated Auguste Tano Kouamé, the World Bank’s Country Director for India.
Evidence suggests that completing education significantly increases chances of securing quality jobs.
“The project design has also benefited from World Bank operations in Tanzania and Bangladesh - where youth engagement through information on job opportunities, counseling and safe community spaces helped reduce school dropout rates,” explained Pravesh Kumar and Kanupriya Misra, Task Team Leaders for the project.
The World Bank currently oversees more than 60 projects focusing on access to jobs for women and youth with a total commitment amounting to $9.3 billion.
The $35 million variable spread loan from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) carries a final maturity period of 15 years with a grace period of five years.