Restless Development Uganda and Makerere University launched the Green Jobs Research Project on May 13, 2024, beginning with a week-long Foundation Training for the project’s youth researchers.
Sixteen young leaders from Nakasongola district in Central Uganda and Jinja City in the Busoga region participated in the training, all with the goal of uplifting the aspirations of young people toward green jobs.
The training aimed to equip youth researchers with the tools and expertise needed to drive impactful research forward. Participants were taken through youth-led research methodologies, data collection techniques, data management, field research skills, and more. The training also introduced fundamental concepts of the Green Jobs Research Project and Youth-led Research Methodology, while clarifying the researchers’ roles and responsibilities.
The youth researchers participated in translating the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and survey tools into Luganda and Lusoga, the local languages of the implementation areas that is, Nakasongola District and Jinja City. Translating these tools is crucial to ensure that interviewees can easily understand the questions.
We firmly believe that young people possess the potential to not only generate employment opportunities within their communities, but also to do so in harmony with their surroundings
Gabriel Iguma, Uganda Hub Director
The primary objective of the Green Jobs Research Project is to identify the barriers young people encounter in accessing green jobs and to develop strategies to support their aspirations.
When heading into the field to carry out research attentive listening is key. Take keen note of your informant’s words, whether they’re sharing their story or responding to questions. There is information in all that they share
Margaret
The foundation training marks a significant step towards empowering youth to create sustainable and impactful employment opportunities within their communities.
Some of the Youth Researchers share what they are looking forward to under the research.
The Green Jobs Research is very exciting to me since I will interact with fellow youths and obtain their views on jobs that conserve the environment. A green job starts with simple things we do, such as recycling plastics, using solar energy, and educating people about climate change.
Through participating in the Green Jobs research project, I will have the chance to embrace green job opportunities and help my environment thrive, as well as unlock the possibilities of sustainable living for everyone.
Joel Galusha
