PASGR, Mastercard explore policy options for youth resilience in multi-country study

The Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR) in collaboration with Mastercard Foundation will assist Nigeria to develop innovative evidence-informed research approaches that will ensure and enhance policy outcomes for youths.

The inception workshop for Nigeria, which will take place on December 14, 2021, at Carlton Gate Exclusive Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State, will have the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, lead relevant stakeholders in government, development partners, scholars, the media and civil society organisations on the discourse.

The theme is “Young Women and Men’s Aspirations and Resilience: Prospects for Livelihoods, Employment and Accountability before, during and beyond COVID – 19.”

According to the Programme Officer, PASGR, Jim Kaketch, the workshop is the first of a series of research activities, which is being implemented in seven African countries that include Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Uganda.

Kaketch said the aim is to carry out a multi-country study that will explore young men and women aspirations, adaptability and resilience in Africa before, during and post COVID-19.

He said this project contributes to Mastercard Foundation’s goal to help 30 million young people to secure dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.

He disclosed that during the workshop, an Utafiti Sera house (Kiswahili for research-policy) would be established.

Kaketch said Utafiti Sera is PASGR’s innovative evidence-informed policymaking approach that ensures and enhances policy outcomes.

“It is a process, place, forum, platform or vehicle for transforming research evidence-based knowledge for policy uptake. It will be a platform for interested participants to have continuous conversations on Youth Aspirations and Resilience in Nigeria post the study,” he said.

He added that the Nigeria research team led by Dr. Babatunde Ojebuyi of the University of Ibadan would use the workshop to explain the research project to stakeholders, obtain their views on the research approach as well as identify and select stakeholders that will be critical for the project’s success.

“This event is timely as it comes at a time that the Nigerian youth are grappling with unemployment challenges. This project seeks to provide youth with the opportunity to have their voices heard and understand the challenges and opportunities presented to youth by the recent outbreak of COVID-19 as far as fulfilling their aspirations is concerned,” he added.