Attitudes toward EIP students vary, with EIP students experiencing different treatment from non-EIP peers, community members, teachers, and other school staff members. Students have had positive interactions and experiences with non-EIP students due to being an EIP student. Approximately two-thirds of EIP students surveyed said they felt more socially included and accepted by their peers due to being an EIP student( 70 % F, 65 % M). 65 % of students said they had built friendships and positive relationships with non-sponsored students, with just over half of students reporting they were motivated to perform well academically because of mutual encouragement and support from these peers( 55 % F, 50 % M). Around a third of students said they had developed confidence and pride in being part of the sponsorship program( 25 % F, 35 % M), while around a sixth of them felt more equal and included in school and community activities now that they are EIP students( 20 % F, 10 % M). 8 % of students said they had learned to share and collaborate with others regardless of sponsorship status( 5 % F, 10 % M) and one female student selected‘ Other’ with no further details.
Figure
8: EIP Student Negative Experience with the Non-EIP Peers
While some students reported positive social experiences due to their involvement in the EIP program, students have also experienced discriminatory behaviour from their non-EIP peers due to being an EIP student. 27 % of students had no challenges in integrating with their non- EIP peers at school or in the community, however the remaining 73 % had one or more challenges. 71 % of students surveyed said they had experienced stigma and exclusion as a result of being an EIP student, leading to reduced or negative interactions with their non-EIP peers, which was reported to be associated with having coveted resources. A parent in Galileya with children who are both sponsored and not sponsored described their experiences within the household:
“ The sponsored child is more confident and focused, which has inspired the others. But sometimes, the non-sponsored siblings feel neglected or a bit envious. The sponsored child, however, tries to remain humble and encourages the others to do well. It’ s a balancing act, but we’ re managing.”
— Parent of both EIP and non-EIP students
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