Universities get child-centred research funding

EDUCATION

By Prisca Baike

KAMPALA - Seven Universities have been awarded grants by the centre for the study of the African Child (AfriChild) to conduct child-focused research.

AfriChild is a Ugandan organisation that has cut its niche in child research and policy advocacy.

The grants followed a rigorous two-week training in child centred research at the Uganda Christian University in Mukono.

The training that ended last week saw Makerere University, Uganda Christian University, Uganda Martyrs Univesity, Kyambogo University, Gulu University, Muni University and Nsamizi training institute awarded Sh20m each to conduct child based research.

Despite the small grants, various university faculties mentioned that it will go a long way in contributing to the existing body of knowledge as far as child research is concerned.

Dr Godfrey Siu from the Makerere University School of Medicine said their research will be geared towards studying children's experiences and perspectives on parental and community involvement in their schooling.

"This will address the issues that our education system is facing due to lack of parental and community involvement in their education," Siu said, in regard to the research that will be based in Busoga region.

Racheal Nuwagaba, also a Makerere University researcher from the school of psychology said that the research findings will help inform education policies across the country despite its small scope.

"Although we are focusing on only Mayuge district, other districts can also relate with the findings and this can help the nation address some of these challenges," Nuwagaba said.

All the seven universities will be undertaking child based research in various disciplines.

Uganda Christian University will study a girl-child perspective on menstrual hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practices in Primary schools in Mukono district.

Gulu University will research about household socio-economic status and parenting styles on adolescent development while Nsamizi training Institute will examine the rights-based approach to HIV/AIDS prevention and service utilization by adolescents in Iganga district among others.

Joyce Wanican, the Executive Director AfriChild Centre said that the training is significant because it has equipped university faculty with professional knowledge.

"Articles on child-focused research that will be published by the trained cohort will go a long way in adding to the existing body of knowledge and shape child-centred research in the region," Wanican said.

It is envisioned that research findings from the various studies will shape national policies aimed at improving children's lives in the country and the region at large.