The Impact of Conditional Education Assistance

This Policy Brief by World Vision Laos PDR, World Vision Taiwan, Lao Ministry of Education and Sport, FCDO (through the British Embassy Vientiane) highlight the impact of conditional education assistance (cash transfers) supporting transition of vulnerable children from primary to lower secondary school.

Providing education cash assistance for poor and disadvantaged students in remote areas with a focus on the year of transition from primary to lower secondary school supported social behaviour change through increased students’ confidence and motivation to complete secondary school and reduced early marriage.

Key Findings include:
1. The number of disadvantaged children, including girls, transitioning to lower secondary school has increased.

2. The conditional assistance brings sustainable behavior changes for the education of children. 95% of the parents surveyed are willing to support their children until they complete secondary school even if there’s no conditional assistance.

3. The continuation of the educational journey to secondary school reduces the likelihood of early marriage. E.g. 94% of caregivers of children who received support considered secondary education as a priority rather than marriage, signaling a change of attitude and practice of parents.

4. Gender inequalities still challenge girls to study at home.