As a pan-African survey research network, Afrobarometer is committed to building data collection, data analysis, and data use skills across the continent. We believe this will enable African researchers, policy actors, and civil society representatives to play an effective role in African decision-making on policy and development.
Our upcoming summer school, 2-26 November 2022, will be delivered in English and co-hosted by Future Africa at the University of Pretoria. The programme provides a unique combination of theory and practice, providing substantive insights on issues including elections and voting, social cohesion, corruption, and governance along with hands-on training in survey research design, data analysis, and visualisation of survey findings.
The summer school is ideal for post-graduate students and researchers from government, non-governmental organisations, and businesses with an interest in African governance and democracy. First-time participants will be required to take introductory courses on Survey Research and Research Design and Introductory Social Statistics. Returning participants or those who can demonstrate relevant background in survey research and statistics will be required to take Intermediate Social Statistics. All participants will take additional substantive electives that will be offered in areas covered by the Afrobarometer questionnaire. We currently plan to offer two-week substantive courses on areas including i) elections and voting; ii) social cohesion; iii) corruption and state behaviour, and iii) governance.
The organisers encourage young people, including nursing mothers and those living with disability (please include relevant details in the application form), to apply for this opportunity. Travel costs, accommodation, meals, and related expenses will be covered by the organisers. However, participants are responsible for all other costs related to their four-week stay in Pretoria including daily personal upkeep, data for personal use, laundry, transportation and entertainment.
Participants will be accommodated in university residences. Additionally, the most cost-effective economy flights will be booked for participants so routes may not be the shortest. Some experience working with Excel and/or data analysis software like SPSS will be helpful but is not essential. If you are interested in this opportunity please complete the application form, here, and email your CV and a writing sample to admin@afrobarometer.org with “English language summer school” as the subject, no later than 5 p.m. GMT on 09 September 2022. Only successful candidates will be notified of their acceptance into the programme. If you have not heard from us by 15 October 2022, please consider your application unsuccessful.