Country partners

The International Center for Research and Policy on Childhood at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (CIESPI at PUC-Rio)

Since its establishment in 1984, CIESPI has engaged in research studies on, and social projects for, children, young people and their families and communities. Its purpose is to support the development and implementation of policies and practices for children and young people that contribute to their full development and the promotion and defence of their rights. CIESPI is particularly concerned with children growing up in contexts of vulnerability including poverty. Professor Irene Rizzini, Director of CIESPI, have long-standing research connections with the University of Edinburgh and the Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town, in a series of research projects and exchanges on children and young people’s participation over 15 years, funded by the Leverhulme Trust and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

Link to the Center

Link to the project page

The University of Eswatini

The University of Eswatini is one of the largest university in Eswatini, with eight highly regarded faculties that span the knowledge spectrum from classic academic fields to rapidly evolving new fields of study. The university and particularly Dr Fortunate Shabala have been key partners working with Dr Deborah Fry of the University of Edinburgh. This includes the highly influential project, ‘BiNational Study: Social Norms and Violence in Zimbabwe and Swaziland’, which engages strongly with national stakeholders.

Link to the University

Bethlehem University

The University of Bethlehem, and particularly Assistant Professor Rabab Tamish, has worked extensively in the early years research with the aim of improving provision in Palestine. Further, Tamish brings to this project her particular expertise in learning and teaching, including in the early years, as Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning at the University.

Link to the University

The Children’s Institute (University of Cape Town)

The Children’s Institute specialises in early years, children’s participation and children’s rights more generally. Their work takes the best interests of the child into account and is aimed at ensuring that children are given primary consideration by society. In particular, the Institute pays special attention to promoting children’s participation in its work, and advocates for their voices to be heard in decisions affecting their lives. Dr Lizette Berry leads the Institute’s theme on early child development, as well as child protection and child poverty, bringing vital connections locally, nationally and internationally to the project.

Link to the Institute

Link to the project page