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Case Study: Graduation

This tutorial explains how to manage the graduation process, which is the planned exit of beneficiaries from the program after achieving self-sufficiency.

What is graduation?​

Graduation is the process by which a beneficiary exits the cash transfer program because they have achieved a sufficient level of self-sufficiency.

Objectives​

  • Recognize household progress
  • Free up resources for new beneficiaries
  • Ensure a smooth transition

Graduation criteria​

CriterionDescription
PMT ScoreScore exceeds poverty threshold
DurationMinimum time in program
Self-sufficiencyAbility to meet basic needs
SavingsBuilding up a reserve

Scenario: Graduate beneficiaries after recertification​

Context​

Following the recertification campaign, 50 households in the Dakar region have been identified as graduation candidates.

Step 1: Identify candidates​

From recertification​

  1. Go to Lifecycle > Recertifications
  2. Filter by Result = Improved
  3. The list displays potential candidates

Automatic criteria​

PCH-SIG automatically identifies candidates based on:

CriterionThreshold
PMT Score> configured threshold
Program duration> 2 years
Payments received> 24 cycles

Export the list​

  1. Click Export
  2. The list serves as a basis for evaluation

Step 2: Evaluate each candidate​

Access graduations​

  1. Go to Lifecycle > Graduations
  2. Click New evaluation

Evaluation form​

For each candidate, evaluate:

Economic situation:

QuestionResponse
Does the household have regular income?Yes / No
Does the household have savings?Yes / No
Does the household own productive assets?Yes / No

Food security:

QuestionResponse
Does the household eat 3 meals per day?Yes / No
Does the household have access to diversified food?Yes / No

Resilience:

QuestionResponse
Can the household cope with a minor shock?Yes / No
Does the household have access to credit?Yes / No

Graduation score​

A score is calculated based on the responses:

  • Score >= 70%: Graduation recommended
  • Score 50-69%: To be monitored
  • Score < 50%: Remain in program

Step 3: Graduation decision​

Review the evaluation​

  1. Open the candidate's evaluation
  2. Review the score and details
  3. Check payment history

Approve graduation​

If the candidate is ready:

  1. Click Approve graduation
  2. Select the effective date
  3. Add a comment
  4. Confirm

Postpone graduation​

If the candidate is not yet ready:

  1. Click Postpone
  2. Enter the reason
  3. Set a re-evaluation date
  4. The candidate remains in the program

Reject graduation​

If the candidate should not exit:

  1. Click Reject
  2. Enter the reason
  3. The candidate remains in the program

Step 4: Exit process​

Beneficiary notification​

  1. The beneficiary is informed of their graduation
  2. The final payment date is communicated
  3. Support services are offered

Final payments​

OptionDescription
Immediate stopLast payment of current cycle
Transition2-3 additional payments at decreasing amounts
Exit bonusExceptional graduation payment

Status update​

  1. The beneficiary changes to Graduated status
  2. They no longer receive payments
  3. Their household remains in the social registry

Step 5: Post-graduation support​

Services offered​

ServiceDescription
TrainingProfessional training
Micro-creditAccess to financing
EmploymentConnection with employers
Follow-upFollow-up visits at 6 and 12 months

Referral​

  1. Open the graduated beneficiary's file
  2. Click Refer
  3. Select the partner program
  4. The referral is recorded

Step 6: Post-graduation monitoring​

Monitoring period​

Graduated households are monitored for 12 months to ensure they do not fall back into poverty.

Follow-up visit​

  1. Go to Lifecycle > Post-graduation monitoring
  2. Select households to visit
  3. Record visit results

Reintegration​

If a graduated household falls back into poverty:

  1. Click Request reintegration
  2. Justify the request
  3. The household is re-evaluated
  4. If approved, they rejoin the program

Step 7: Graduation report​

Generate the report​

  1. Go to Reports > Graduations
  2. Select the period
  3. Export

Graduation indicators​

IndicatorDescription
Graduation rateGraduated / Total beneficiaries
Average timeAverage duration in program
Reintegrations% of reintegrated graduates
Success% of graduates stable at 12 months

Best practices​

Preparation​

  • Prepare beneficiaries for graduation
  • Offer training before exit
  • Ensure access to complementary services

Transition​

  • Avoid abrupt exits
  • Use decreasing payments
  • Maintain post-graduation monitoring

Evaluation​

  • Use objective criteria
  • Document decisions
  • Analyze success factors

Next steps​

Congratulations!

You now master the beneficiary graduation process!