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 AFRIpads
- Placement Location: In-person, UBC-Based
- Duration: 7 months starting in October 2024
- Eligibility: Open to UBC-V Undergraduate (60+ credits) & Graduate students (more details below)
Project Description
Current Project
AFRIpads is interested in learning more about the direct impacts of employment at the individual and household levels for the workforce that is comprised of approximately 80% women. For a social enterprise that has made choices such as the development of the factory in a rural location, ensuring most employees are women and providing healthcare and pension benefits, AFRIpads is interested in learning more about the outcomes of these decisions and sharing them with policymakers and the business community in Uganda and beyond.
This two-term engagementship (October 2024-April 2025) will be an opportunity to work with AFRIpads to refine the research questions and design the research study that can be implemented in the summer of 2025 or beyond. Activities associated with this project will include a full review of previous study outcomes, project planning, literature reviews, research on impact metrics, research design, methodology reviews and the development of data collection tools. The intersections and disconnections between economic growth and social development will be examined through a critical lens that seeks to forefront African scholarship and methodologies.
Background
In the summer of 2023, a survey through an ORICE International Immersive Placement Program based on the well-established Demographic and Health Survey was conducted in the area of Kitengesa, Uganda. The data was collected for AFRIpads – a social enterprise which makes affordable menstrual products for women and girls – with whom ORICE has a long-standing partnership. Primarily, AFRIpads was interested in understanding whether and how wealth had changed in the area surrounding their new factory since the first baseline survey was conducted in 2018. The data have been analyzed for that purpose; however, we would now like to explore additional questions that can be investigated for the organization.
Organization Details
AFRIpads aims to provide women and girls with a sustainable solution for managing their periods with comfort and dignity. Their mission is to empower through business, innovation, and opportunity to move closer to gender equality. In the past, ORICE has collaborated with AFRIpads on initiatives to assess the socioeconomic context and impact of their factory in rural Uganda.
Learn more about previous students’ experiences working with AFRIpads.
Program Overview
Between October 2024 to April 2025, 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 (on the UBC Vancouver Campus) 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.
More Information
Application Deadline: Sunday September 15th, 2024 @ 11:59pm.
- Review project details (please contact ubc.orice@ubc.ca with any questions you may have).
- Next, fill out the ORICE program application form (Qualtrics Survey) below.
- Successful applicants will be contacted by email to continue the selection process through a 15-minute individual interview.
- After interviews, you will be notified of a decision; successful candidates will be sent an offer letter with further details on the program and detailed instructions on how to accept. Your selection into the program includes meeting eligibility requirements, as well as your initial application and your performance in the interview. Student project teams will be comprised of 3-5 students.
- Be an undergraduate (domestic or international) at the UBC Vancouver campus with 60 or more completed credits, or graduate student as of August 31st, 2024.
- Have access to a reliable internet connection and computer to collaborate with peers & international partners and attend meetings remotely if online meetings are required.
- Demonstrate the ability to think critically and creatively and be willing to take responsibility and initiative to meet project deliverables.
- Prior experience with research design is an asset, but not necessary
- Willingness to have occasional meetings that accommodate time zone considerations for guests joining from Uganda or elsewhere.
Project dates: Week of October 2, 2024, to April 9, 2025
Weekly in-person meetings: TBD - applicants will be asked to be flexible as we will be seeking a weekly standing 2 hr meeting block during M-F, 9am-5pm.
Note: Team members need to be available for occasional meetings with the community partner at 8am due to time zone differences.
| Timeline | |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Wed, August 14, 2024 |
| Deadline | Sun, September 15, 2024, 11:59 pm PST |
| Short Interviews | September 19 - 24, 2024 |
| Offers Made by | September 27, 2024 |
| Acceptances Due | Sun, September 29, 2024, 11:59 pm PST |
Funding available for this program: ORICE Experiential Education Accessibility Award
Note: Students may only hold one award at a given time. Please visit our funding page for more information.