Empowering adolescents through an integrated programming approach: exploring the effects of UNICEF’s Makani programme on Dom adolescents’ well-being in Jordan

Summary & Objectives

The brief aims to assess how UNICEF’s Makani programme contributes to the well-being of Dom adolescents in Jordan across six capability domains: education and learning, bodily integrity and freedom from violence, health, psychosocial well-being, voice and agency, and economic empowerment. It uses qualitative interviews with adolescent girls and boys, caregivers and key informants to understand programme effects and remaining gaps for this highly marginalised group.

Findings

The study finds that Makani improves learning outcomes, language skills and confidence in class, especially for younger adolescents, and offers valued protection sessions on violence and child marriage, though deeply entrenched norms and weak engagement of fathers continue to limit change. It shows that adolescents report better hygiene practices, greater awareness of healthy behaviours and smoking risks, and some benefits from psychosocial support, safe spaces and opportunities to build friendships and social cohesion. The programme strengthens adolescents’ voice, self-confidence and aspirations and provides initial exposure to entrepreneurship and planning for the future, but barriers such as discrimination in schools, transport constraints, work demands, gender norms, limited SRH and puberty education and scarce ICT training continue to restrict access and impact

Summary

This brief examines how UNICEF’s Makani programme supports the well-being of Dom adolescents in Jordan, a group facing severe marginalisation, discrimination and limited access to education, protection and economic opportunities. Drawing on qualitative interviews with adolescents, caregivers and key informants, it shows that Makani strengthens learning, enhances personal hygiene and health awareness, improves psychosocial well-being, and fosters voice, confidence and aspirations. It also highlights the programme’s role in raising awareness about violence and child marriage, while noting persistent barriers linked to social norms, language challenges, limited mobility, discrimination in schools and gaps in sexual and reproductive health education.

Purpose

The purpose of the brief is to provide evidence on the contributions of the Makani programme to the multidimensional capabilities of Dom adolescents and to identify areas where further strengthening is needed to enhance its impact. It aims to inform policymakers, practitioners and programme designers about how integrated adolescent programming can address deep-rooted exclusion and improve outcomes for marginalised communities, while guiding future adaptations that respond to the specific needs and constraints of Dom girls and boys in Jordan.

Audience

The targeted audience for this policy brief includes:

• UNICEF programme teams and implementing partners involved in Makani or similar adolescent-focused interventions in Jordan.
• Government ministries and local authorities responsible for education, child protection, social development and youth programming.
• NGOs and civil society organisations working with marginalised communities, adolescent well-being and social inclusion.
• Donors and development partners supporting integrated adolescent programming and services for vulnerable groups.
• Researchers and practitioners focused on adolescent capabilities, gender norms, child marriage and marginalised minority populations.