OSSREA Holds Its Annual Social Science Research Methodology Training
The OSSREA research methodology training workshop was officially opened by the OSSREA Executive Secretary, Dr. Alfred G. Nhema, on Monday, 15th September 2003. The workshop, which ran from 15th - 26th September 2003, was held in Addis Ababa. In his keynote address, the OSSREA Executive Secretary highlighted that OSSREA is committed to creating a research tradition in which African researchers are encouraged to produce research that is relevant to policy-making and development.
OSSREA has recognised the need for upgrading the research skills of its members so as to build the research and teaching capacity of institutions in Eastern and Southern African countries. To this end, the OSSREA Research Methodology Institute started offering short-term training in social science research methodology in 2000.
Annual trainings on social science research methodology have been conducted since October 2000. So far, 90 individuals have attended the training. The trainees come from different countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. The trainees are selected on the bases of the application materials they submit. Applicants who submit the required application materials and who have relevant research experience are selected on a competitive basis.
It is within this spirit and tradition that the Training in Social Science Research Methodology for 2003 started on 15th September 2003. A total of 36 successful applicants out of over 240 applications from all member countries were selected to take part in the intensive two-week training programme.
The training workshop was officially closed on Friday, 26th September 2003, where the participants were awarded certificates by Dr. Alfred G. Nhema, OSSREA’s Executive Secretary. In his closing remark, Dr. Nhema stated that the uniqueness of the project is that it aims to train scholars that can generate indigenous knowledge which plays a part in Africa’s future. He also congratulated the participants on acquiring training that would enable them to produce research of the highest standard. Dr. Nhema reminded the participants that they need to practice what they have learned by conducting action-oriented research on the challenges that our continent is facing.