ARESRO trains fieldwork research assistants

The Africa Resilience in Education Systems Research Observatory (ARESRO) conducted a two-day training workshop for fieldwork research assistants from 16th to 17th July, 2025, at Gmalina Court in Liwonde. The training marked a crucial preparatory step for the upcoming formative phase of the ARESRO project, which is being implemented in collaboration with Makerere University.

The workshop aimed to equip research assistants (RAs) with the knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills necessary for effective fieldwork. The sessions covered several key areas, including an introduction to the ARESRO project, an overview of the formative phase, and discussions on the roles and characteristics of a good researcher, among others.

Speaking during the opening session, ARESRO Malawi team leader Dr. Samson MacJessie Mbewe highlighted the importance of quality and ethics in data collection. “As we prepare to enter the field, we must remember that data quality begins with integrity,” he said. “Ethical conduct and accuracy are not just research principles. They are responsibilities we owe to the communities we engage.”

The training provided a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, ensuring that research assistants are well-prepared to collect high-quality, ethical, and contextually relevant data. Findings from the formative phase are expected to contribute meaningfully to the understanding and strengthening of education system resilience across Africa.