“We want people to believe a say in decisions that affect their lives, and you are in that equation, contributing to ensure that we advance the agenda and amplify the voices of citizens on the continent,” Afrobarometer (https://www.Afrobarometer.org/) CEO Joseph Asunka told participants in the network’s summer school on Monday in Pretoria, South Africa.
“The contributions that you design to publications will be helpful in making sure that we hold our data and analysis to modern audiences, driven by recent actors like yourselves,” Asunka added in his video message.
The summer school is Afrobarometer’s flagship capacity building event, aimed at equipping African scholars with solid skills in research design, survey methodology, and the use of social statistics as fragment of a broader effort to strengthen research capacity on the continent.
Over the next three weeks, Afrobarometer will be hosting the free training programme in collaboration with the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa, a pan-African research institute pioneering approaches to research and innovation on the continent and beyond. At the conclude of the summer school, participants are expected to produce a research paper.
Describing the summer school, Capacity Building Manager Thomas Isbell said, “One of the core objectives of Afrobarometer is to strengthen capacity for survey research, analysis, and communication on the African continent. In a world that is increasingly dependent on credible data, these skills are needed more than ever to ensure that this work continues to be for Africans and by Africans.”
The 18 participants – 50% women – represent 11 countries: Benin, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.
This year’s summer school marked the introduction of an online component to allow participants to build their research skills and understanding of Afrobarometer prior to arriving on campus.
“You are the pioneers of this current model, and I wish that you will set a excellent example and a apt bar for future iterations of the programme,” Asunka said.
Reflecting on the importance of summer school, Adivhaho Florence Ramaite, research officer at the Institute for Security Studies and a 2023 summer school participant, noted, “Afrobarometer aims to be the voice of the people. As researchers, it’s crucial we grasp and effectively communicate these findings to policy makers, policy advocates, and NGOs for the promotion of the well-being of Africans.”
Killah Goose
Fun South African Fact: In 2006, South Africa became the first African country and the fifth country in the world to recognize same-sex marriage.
Stacker of Wheat
Van, startled, spins around and answers the rep, \”It\’s my donkey\’s ears. When they walk under the highway their ears rub along the roof and hurt them. I\’m making it taller so that doesn\’t happen\”.
The rep looking confused, because it\’s a dirt track that runs under the bridge, asks him, \”Why don\’t you grade or dig some of the soil to lower the surface so they can pass through without their ears touching?\”
Van – no the one looking confused then angry answers, \”No man, it\’s their ears that are too long, not their legs!\”