The Thrive Index is an annual research and advocacy publication by the Grace Agbonlahor Foundation (GAF) that highlights the realities girls face beyond school enrollment figures. This inaugural edition focuses on Edo State, tracking critical transitions in girls’ education and the presence—or absence—of safe, supportive school environments.

Why This Matters

Across Edo State and Nigeria, girls face barriers limiting their ability to thrive in education: early marriage, sexual harassment, poverty, and limited pathways to higher learning. Many attend school but lack the enabling environment needed to succeed. Without data, these issues remain hidden.

The Thrive Index goes beyond the classroom to ask:

• How many girls complete junior and senior secondary school?
• How many transition into higher education or vocational training?
• How safe are schools for girls, especially regarding GBV prevention and response?

Objectives

1. Generate reliable data on girls’ educational progression and protection in Edo State.
2. Identify barriers, dropout factors, and gaps in school-based GBV prevention.
3. Promote accountability and inspire policy and programme improvements.
4. Create a replicable tool scalable nationwide.

Focus Areas for 2025 Edition

• Transition data: JSS3 → SSS1, SSS3 → Higher Education
• Completion rates and dropout factors
• Availability and implementation of GBV prevention measures
• Case studies and voices of girls navigating challenges

Call for Female Volunteers

JOIN THE THRIVE INDEX INITIATIVE!

Grace Agbonlahor Foundation (GAF) is inviting ladies passionate about girls’ education to serve as Field Enumerators for the Thrive Index – Beyond the Classroom for Girls (Edo State). You’ll help collect critical data from selected schools across Benin City, giving girls a voice and shaping stronger, safer education systems.