This Education Programme for girls in nomadic areas of Gao, Mali, began in May 2001 with the objective of improving the schooling of girls in this region. This evaluation considers how far the programme has improved education in terms of access, quality and gender balance, and examines how far the programme has contributed to the emergence of a civil society as a force for change in education. The evaluation also highlights useful lessons for the development of a new education programme in the Sahel.