08/05/2026
๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ณ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ: ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ฉ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ ๐๐ฑ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐
In a bid to strengthen responsible and participatory approaches to supporting marginalised communities in Zimbabwe, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) recently hosted the Responsible Critical Thinking for Human Rights of Marginalised Groups (RESPECT) training programme at Fernhill Campus in Mutare.
Conducted in partnership with Lund University and funded by the Swedish Kronor grant from Swedish Institute, the programme trained 20 postgraduate students as well as 25 research supervisors.
The training focused on interdisciplinary research methods and participatory action research, responsible critical thinking to addressing complex social challenges affecting vulnerable groups including advanced supervision skills to support the Universityโs academic expansion.
Project facilitators, Professor Eva Brodin and Dr. Karin Steen from Lund University described the initiative as critical in addressing complex social challenges affecting vulnerable groups as well as empowering researchers with advanced skills.
"As facilitators from Lund University, we view this initiative as a critical step toward addressing the complex social challenges that impact vulnerable groups. Our goal is to empower researchers by equipping them with the advanced skills necessary to navigate these multifaceted issues effectively," said Prof Brodin
The RESPECT programme is strategically aligned with MSUASโ recent application for accreditation to offer Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programmes.
Commenting on the importance of the initiative,MSUAS Director of Quality Assurance and Project Coordinator Dr. Noah Mutongoreni commended the active involvement of university staff and students, describing their participation as essential for developing research frameworks that actively support and empower vulnerable communities.
"The dedication of our lecturers and students is what makes these initiatives truly paramount. By adopting participatory approaches, we are equipping ourselves to better serve the communities that need our expertise most,โ said Dr Mutongoreni
Beyond standard presentations, the programme served as a vital space for productive discussion and partnership, strengthening the university's dedication to building an inclusive society.
This successful collaboration serves as a fitting addition to MSUASโs celebration of 10 years of academic excellence, reinforcing the university's commitment to impactful research and international partnership.
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