100% Completion rate Training of Research Change Agents

The first training of Research Change Agents, under our Dr. Paul Hargrave Memorial Centre Human Development Project, jointly implemented with Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief, successfully ended yesterday, Friday, 14^th August 2026.

A 100% completion rate we attained, since all 12 of the 15 applicants admitted and who reported, four women and eight men, completed their training.

Each Research Change Agent is back home with a challenge to apply the new technologies learned. And within one month, submit a participatory action research study proposal, aimed for the greater good of their respective community.

Ten of our first cohort of Research Change Agents are of Lango, one of Acholi and the other one of Teso.

The training, a Participatory Action Research Masterclass, focused on how to identify a research issue, define the research problem, and design a research study.

Data and research findings of our CPAR Uganda Tuberculosis (TB) Qualitative Investigation (2016-2017) were used as a learning tool and example.

Enabling us to achieve as well our objective to contribute to the fight against TB through awareness creation.

Immediate Impact

In their own words, this is some of what our first cohort of research change agents had to say about what they liked about the training and or how the training met their expectations:

Venue – Dr. Paul Hargrave Memorial Centre

The venue of the training is private and quiet, which is good for learning.

Tuberculosis

Learning about TB. The knowledge on TB is what I like about this training. For example, knowing that it is not only HIV positive people who can get TB. Even others not HIV positive can get it.

To be honest, most people are green about TB in my community. People in my community rarely discuss issues concerning TB.

This training has woken me up. I will also help someone with TB knowledge. I learnt new knowledge about the TB spread in our community, as compared to what I initially knew.

Training Methods

Research Change Agent Okullo, presenting …

It has been a wonderful training for me. The participatory teaching methods, make understanding easier. And trigger knowledge and learning in every participant.

Participatory methods used enabled everyone to contribute. The training was engaging and we were allowed to participate. Everyone has to share their view during the lessons. Unlike the teaching methods used in schools, where the teacher does all the work.

Going for fieldwork enabled me to observe what was being taught in class. For example, now I know that anything I see and hear can be important for me when collecting data.

Energizers – energizing ourselves in the class, staying fit and awake to concentrate.

The Scrabble, the visuals …

A game of Scrabble used as a training tool

Masterclass Facilitator

Project Team Leader, Ms. Owaraga Norah

When I applied, I wanted to gain skills that can help change my community. I want to assure you our facilitator has given me the required knowledge that I needed so much.

I have enjoyed our facilitator. She is friendly and social.

At first, my mind was completely empty, but through her facilitation, it has made me gaining something. For example, previously, I didn’t understand how to frame the conceptual framework. Now I do.

I like the way our facilitator started training us from day one till the end. The facilitator is very inspiring and works really had to deliver the best.

The facilitator has delivered.

Next – Participatory Action Research Writing Master Class

Our second Research Training and the last in our series of trainings under our Dr. Paul Hargrave Memorial Centre Project, will focus on Participatory Action Research Writing. As advertised:

We invite you to share the advert widely to your other networks with programming and implementation in Uganda.

Thank you.