This program is a level 1. It has:

  • Target population defined with rationale for population selected based on local epidemiology or program data.
  • More than two years of program implementation and has been scaled up or replicated.
  • Formative or process evaluation or Internal evaluation.
  • Two years of results that meet or exceed stated objectives.
  • Two-three years of funding.

Level 1


Focus Areas:
Gender: Womens equity
Implemented By: Population Council
Participating Organization:
Region: Africa
Country: Ethiopia
Environment: Community/Household
Setting: Urban
Target Population:
Scope: 1000 - 5000
Implementation Years: Jan 2005 - Present

Biruh Tesfa addresses vulnerabilities of migrant adolescent girls who have relocated to urban areas and are at risk of coerced sex, transactional sex and exploitative labor. The program seeks to protect these girls by reducing their social isolation and providing them with health information, including HIV prevention, and services to address sexual exploitation and abuse. Through the program, female community leaders mentor out-of-school girls ages 10-19, addressing issues such as reproductive health and violence. Program services ensure that girls have access to health care; rape victims can obtain support services; and a shelter is available for evicted domestic workers (many of whom are migrant girls). Girls also can get identification cards along with vocational training and job placement.

Core Components:

  • Adult mentoring
  • Girls clubs
  • Functional literacy, life skills, livelihood skills, health and HIV education
  • Linkage to medical care

Noteworthy Results:

  • Over 3,700 out-of-school girls participate in Biruh Tesfa groups.

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