The Sisters of Success (SOS) program was designed by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and implemented in partnership with EDUCARE and the Planned Parenthood Association of Liberia (PPAL) between 2013 and 2015. The program supported 1,440 girls aged 12-15 to adopt healthy behaviors, through a 30-week mentorship program. Girls completed a curriculum focused on empowerment, friendship, conflict resolution, sexual health, and goal setting. An impact evaluation found the project had positive impact on education attainment, girls seeking and receiving information about sex-related issues, leadership, and participation. This brief explores the cost-effectiveness of the program, given these impacts.

The cost per girl for SOS was $327, including support costs. In addition to implementer expenses, there were also costs induced for mentors, girls, and their families to participate in Sisters of Success—totaling roughly $27 per girl over 2.5 years.

Girls in the SOS program were 6.5 percent more likely to complete primary schooling; they also obtained 0.152 more years of education within a 2-year period.

Available documents & links