Capacity building for quality data collection
AfriChild, the Centre for the study of African child conducted a two days’ workshop on Future search methodology from June 3rd- 4th, 2016. The two-day training was facilitated by Associate Professor Amy Ritterbusch from Colombia University.
Participants for the training included Africhild staff and Principal Investigators, Research Assistants involved in qualitative data collection for the institutional and street component, peer leaders and the children in who are in the process of positively transitioning from living and surviving on the streets.
The purpose of the Future search training was to build the capacity of Africhild research team in community engagement approaches and future search methodology; build the self – identification and planning skills of children transitioning from living on the streets; validating the data collected from children transitioning from living and surviving on the streets as well as creating a healthy harmonized working relationship between the researchers, peer leaders and children transitioning from living and surviving on the streets.
Future search training methodologies used were participatory, interactive methods and group activities, actively engaging research assistants, peer leaders and children transitioning from living and surviving on the streets.
Participants were guided on self-identification and reflection on their past, present and future situations, obstacles, and opportunities. They were also guided on how to prioritize and set future plans.
Future Search methodology built the capacity of Africhild research team; facilitated validation of preliminary findings for the street component and offered street connected children an opportunity to start on the process of self-identification and planning for the desired and ideal future.
