Recherche qualitative examinant les liens entre un programme de bourses, le parcours scolaire des bénéficiaires et leur contexte familial au Bénin
One’s family background probably has a stronger influence on a student’s academic success in developing countries than many studies have shown up to now (Nonoyama-Tarumi, 2008). By means of an evaluation of both the implantation and processes of the Sophie Lavigne Foundation (FSL) scholarship program, this thesis deals with the relationships between Benin students’ family background and their academic trajectory. A total of 18 informants participated in the research project. The data was analyzed qualitatively. Generally speaking, the scholarship program has been established as was expected. Families that were interrogated greatly value education. To the very best of their abilities, they try to offer their children the greatest possible conditions for academic success. The scholarship program makes the academic trajectory of all participants easier and sometimes even positively affects their siblings’. However, the criteria for the renewal of the scholarships, which depend on academic success, have few positive effects on the participants’ academic trajectories. The causes for academic failures mentioned by the participants seem to be twofold: (a) an accumulation of difficulties that impair their academic trajectory (b) an important and specific obstacle that prevents a student from continuing her studies. It also appears that having access to academic support—remedial work for instance—is necessary in order to guarantee the best study conditions. The results of this research indicate that the FSL should provide students it accompanies with more academic support and reconsider the criteria for the renewal of the scholarships.
Program evaluation Family background Schooling School quality Africa Academic success Recherche qualitative Qualitative research Microcredit Scholarship