ABSTRACT
This qualitative study explored adolescent girls’ perspectives and programme needs as they transition from two institutions in Highfield, Harare, Zimbabwe. The study was guided by the sustainable livelihood and feminist theoretical frameworks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 adolescent girls (16 inside and 16 outside) from Institutions A and B. Focus group discussions were held with two groups of eight adolescent girls inside both institutions. Institutions A and B are run by the government and a non-governmental organisation respectively. Findings suggest that adolescent girls associate successful transitions with social, economic and emotional well-being. Thus, they need programmes that provide advocacy skills, relationship-building, educational support, accommodation, financial support, employment opportunities, family tracing and after-care support to address poverty and other social vulnerabilities after leaving care. The study concludes that adolescent girls are active agents of development capable of articulating their views and developmental needs. Thus, the researcher recommends their increased participation in transition planning and programming as well as the development of a support model that incorporates gender-specific concerns and needs addressing poverty in the institutional context.