Grow Learn Own Evaluation

Research shows that HIV affects women disproportionately in South Africa. In 2020, an estimated 4.8 million women aged 15 years and older had HIV, compared to 2.7 million men of the same age, with this phenomenon driven by biological and structural risks, including poverty, gender-based violence (GBV), and gender inequality. Recognising the vulnerability of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), the Global Fund My Journey programme provides core and layered services to AGYW based on their individual needs. Within this programme, the Economic Strengthening Livelihoods service, or Grow Learn Own (GLO), provided AGYW who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET) with socio-economic development support and opportunities to enable them to become economically active.

An independent process and preliminary outcome evaluation of the Grow Learn Own (GLO) Programmes by DNA Economics found them to be relevant, appropriate and implemented according to plans.

The evaluation finds that the Livelihood Opportunities streams provided AGYW with the opportunity to practically apply the skills attained in the Livelihood Skills training.

Recommendations included bolstering recruitment by deepening relationships with traditional leaders, and by continuing to establish networks and partnerships with local community stakeholders and building goodwill within the communities.

As a graduate and an entrepreneur I can now confidently say I am ready to take on the world. I am a strong and empowered woman. – Reneliwe, Gauteng