Inclusion Policy & Mechanism Analysis in Kenya (2024W UBC-Based)

This program is part of the Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP) and is informed by ORICE values. GEEP aims to strengthen the bridge between classroom learning (theory) and application (practice) to address pressing global issues, in this community-based praxis initiative. Students who participate in GEEP can participate in experiential education projects designed and led by global community partners.

Details at a Glance

Application Deadline: September 15th, 2024

• Program Type: Co-curricular (Not-for-credit)
• Project Type: Community-Engaged Research Project in collaboration with Basic Needs Basic Rights Kenya (BNBR)
• Placement Location: In-person, UBC-Based
• Duration: 3 months starting in October 2024
• Eligibility: Open to UBC-V Undergraduate (60+ credits) & Graduate students (more details below)

Project Description

Current Project

A foundational piece of desk research to complete in this project includes a review and analysis of current inclusion policies and related implementation mechanisms in Kenya, including information on how monitoring and evaluation are occurring and about the availability of public data. Inclusion policies about disability and mental health will be of primary interest for this project. This research will be important contextual information for the subsequent research that Basic Needs Basic Rights (BNBR) plans to undertake on their organizational priorities and goals and will be necessary background information in the drafting of policy briefs and research dissemination.

This one-term engagementship (October 2024-December 2024) will be an opportunity to work with BNBR to complete the inclusion policy and mechanism analysis that will be used in the contextual framing of subsequent BNBR research. Activities associated with this project will include project planning, related environmental scans and literature reviews, the investigation and analysis of Kenyan inclusion policies and mechanisms related to disability and mental health, research on monitoring and evaluation and data reporting.

The expected outputs from the UBC team on this project are a complete environmental scan of inclusion policies and mechanisms, and a comprehensive summary report on the policies and the extent of the implementation, with particular attention paid to policies that intersect with BNBR priorities and programming.

Background

Since their inception, Basic Needs, Basic Rights (BNBR) has distinguished itself as a leader in mental health and development in Kenya by implementing a model which takes a holistic approach comprising elements of psychosocial support, community development and livelihoods, and improving policy and practice through research and advocacy. This approach is informed by their belief that addressing mental well-being and illness goes beyond just health systems and must include consideration of social and economic causes and effects. BNBR seeks to prevent and treat mental health disorders; promote mental health and well-being; facilitate integration of individuals with mental health complications through socio-economic empowerment; influence laws, policies, and practices as well as cultural norms through acting as a collaborative leader; and strengthen and diversify their resource base as an organization.

As part of a recently launched 5-year strategic plan, BNBR has established a priority to enhance evidence-based research capacity and outputs as an organization. In the summer of 2024, BNBR and ORICE partnered to place UBC students with the organization to explore and document research priorities and to jointly produce a preliminary research agenda based on the identified priorities.

Organization Details

Basic Needs, Basic Rights (BNBR) is a vibrant registered national non-governmental organization located across seven counties in Kenya. One of BNBR’s core programmatic areas is to support people with mental health conditions, those at risk, and their caregivers to live and work successfully in their communities. BNBR strives to ensure that those with mental health concerns can access basic rights by empowering their communities to provide care and social support.

Learn more about previous students’ experiences working with BNBR.

Program Overview

Between October – December 2024, the selected team of students will spend 3-5 hours weekly working collaboratively towards completing the objectives of this project. Students will be required to participate in weekly scheduled in-person meetings to ensure collaboration and accountability goals are defined and met. However, the remainder of the allotted time will be self-directed or in small work teams as per agreements with teammates.

Students will meet periodically with the BNBR team to discuss the project plan and progress. The team will also deliver a final presentation to review the outputs with BNBR.

More Information