2011 to 2013: CWDC Contract: Evaluating the Step up to Social Work Programme (£110,000)
Researcher
De Montfort University was commissioned by the Child Workforce Development Programme, CWDC (Department of Education) to evaluate the Step up to Social Work Programme.
2009 to 2013: Children who Care: Social Action Research project with the University of the Free State, South Africa and 5 local schools. (£28 000 over 3 years)
Principal Researcher
This Social Action Research project is currently in its 2nd year where 150 grade 11 students from 5 schools collaboratively research needs of vulnerable children in their community. The primary aim is to explore and identify the support needs of vulnerable children, especially those who live with the consequences of HIV/AIDS through Social Action Research. Students are also helped to develop and use ICT and research skills. This project uses distance learning, with DMU staff providing the training online to students in South Africa. In August 2010, it won the South African Final of the Microsoft Innovative Teachers Forum Award (ITF) was awarded a second place at the African Finals in Kenia and then presented their project to the World finals in Cape Town.
2010 to May 2012: International research and exchange of social work professionals with South Africa (£45,000)
Project leader and principal researcher
This is a pilot project that focus on an international research and exchange of learning using a wide range of differing technological methods (Skype, Communities of Platform, Huddle, email, video conferencing) and a practical exchange visit aimed at social work professionals. The purpose of this exchange will be amongst other, to bring together a collective of informed professionals to share and exchange ideas and experiences; to facilitate an interactive system of peer support and action learning forums and share, compare and contrast current and best practice models of social work delivery
2009 to 2010: “National Program on the Development of an Integrated System of Social Services” in Moldova.
Consultant and trainer
Project done in collaboration with DfiD (Department for International Development); OPM (Oxford Policy management) and the Every Child Project.
The Centre for Social Action has asked me to act as a consultant in work being done in Moldova, entitled “National Program on the Development of an Integrated System of Social Services”. This project consisted of firstly developing a curriculum for social work (Social assistants) training in Moldova and providing training to the team responsible for training staff members. An important component of this project was setting up online resources for trainers.
2008/9: Mpilonhle Project: South Africa
Principal researcher
Setting up and developing research, exploring the lives and experiences of children who have been left orphaned because of HIV/AIDS.
2007: Braunstone Community Primary School, Leicester, UK
Principle researcher
Principal researcher for a project on conjunction with Braunstone Community Primary School, Leicester. The goal of the project was to involve fathers in crime prevention and developing reading and writing skills of young boys through the involvement of their fathers. Learning material developed from this project was adopted and used in many other schools in Leicester.
2000 to 2003: Academic Link between Fort Hare University, South Africa and De Montfort University, VSO and the British Council. (value: £35 000 over 3 years)
Project leader
I was the lead at Fort Hare University for the development of the Probation Training Programme at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa, in partnership with DMU, VSO and the British Council.