Transforming the Lives of Children and Youth of African Descent: AProgram of Research
Abstract
Internal and international migration, driven by globalization and conflicts, is on the rise. African children and their descendants grapple with numerous challenges in the process. Our research programme aims to enhance the well-being of African children and youths in diverse contexts. Employing a community-based participatory-action research approach, we conducted interviews and focus groups with African immigrant parents, exploring parenting practices and their children’s experiences in Canada. Engaging over 150 stakeholders, including parents, service providers, educators, and policymakers, we derived insights to develop a university-based mentorship programme for Black youths in Canada. Extending our research to Ghana and Nigeria, we collected data from 180 African youths and parents, comparing their experiences. Our efforts, including focused interviews, conversation cafes, and a survey of 1,000 participants, contributed to policy changes and facilitated the establishment of a mental health clinic for Black youths by our community partner, the Africa Centre.
Introduction
The initial idea originated from Professor Bukola Salami during her tenure as a board member of The Africa Centre. Recognizing a community gap, Prof Salami endeavoured to collaborate with the Africa Centre and the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association. The proposal, crafted with input from co-investigators and partner organizations, was refined through regular meetings of an advisory committee of African immigrant community leaders. Interviews and data analysis were conducted in tandem with another community member, and regular meetings with community partners were held. Following the completion of focus groups and interviews, the advisory committee recommended a reflection day, leading to the proposal of The Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program. Engaging Black faculty members in Alberta, Professor Salami spearheaded the programme’s creation. Securing grants from the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), they established the African Child and Youth Migration Network. Subsequently, they sought funding from the SSHRC for data collection in Canada and African countries. Site leads oversaw data collection and knowledge mobilization in their respective countries, while Prof Salami led knowledge mobilization in Canada, presenting twice to the prime minister and once to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health.
Who should benefit?
Our initiative addresses critical unmet health needs within the African immigrant community, specifically focusing on children and youths. Serving as a board member at the Africa Centre, Prof Salami keenly observed a significant gap that demanded immediate attention. The imperative of community collaboration became apparent, leading to a strategic partnership with the Africa Centre and the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association.
Employing a community-based participatory-action research approach, our programme is designed to delve into unmet health needs through exhaustive interviews and focus groups with African immigrant parents. To ensure a nuanced and culturally sensitive approach, an advisory committee comprising African immigrant community leaders played a pivotal role in refining the research process. Stakeholder engagement was a dynamic process, and thorough data analysis yielded actionable insights. The culmination of these efforts resulted in the inception of a targeted initiative: The Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program.
Securing vital grants from the WUN and the SSHRC of Canada provided the foundation for the establishment of the African Child and Youth Migration Network. This holistic approach aims at translating research findings into tangible and impactful outcomes. The ripple effect extends beyond knowledge mobilization in Canada: our initiative is global in scope. Site leads have been strategically placed in various African countries to oversee data collection and knowledge mobilization, ensuring a culturally nuanced and contextually relevant approach.
The primary recipients of our initiative include African and Black immigrant children, youths, and parents. The programme is meticulously crafted to address their unmet health needs, fostering improved well-being and resilience. Additionally, the initiative extends benefits to community leaders, providing increased knowledge and insights into health issues affecting their community, enabling informed decision-making.
The research outcomes play a crucial role in developing evidence-based policies and interventions, benefiting local communities in both Canada and African countries. The global scope facilitates sharing lessons and successful interventions on an international scale. Policymakers and government agencies are integral beneficiaries, as research findings and subsequent policy changes influenced by our work aim to inform and guide decision-making at local and national levels.
Our focus is on African and Black immigrant children, youths, and parents, with a wide geographical distribution spanning Canada, Ghana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and other African countries. Although exact numbers are challenging to ascertain, millions are likely impacted by various health issues, including mental health disparities, limited access to culturally sensitive healthcare, and the impact of migration on family dynamics, exacerbating economic and social deprivation.
Beneficiaries are dispersed across Canada and various African nations. The initiative acknowledges the importance of addressing health disparities in both low- and middle-income countries to ensure a comprehensive impact.
The research aims to contribute significantly to greater health equity by addressing the unique health challenges faced by African and Black immigrant communities. Tailored interventions and policies seek to bridge existing health gaps, promoting equity in healthcare access and overall well-being.
The patient group was identified through careful consideration of the African immigrant community, prioritizing the critical need to address their unmet health needs. Involvement of an advisory committee comprising African immigrant community leaders ensured relevance and appropriateness, capturing diverse perspectives.
Engagement
Engagement is pivotal throughout our initiative, spanning understanding needs, designing and conducting research, and translating research into impact.
Active engagement of African immigrant community leaders through an advisory committee ensures diverse perspectives in shaping research objectives and methodologies.
Prioritizing stakeholder involvement in research design and execution, particularly through the advisory committee, ensures cultural sensitivity and alignment with community priorities.
Engagement strategies include regular meetings with community partners and presentations to policymakers, fostering a collaborative environment for effective dissemination of research findings.
Partnerships with global organizations like the WUN and the SSHRC enhance diversity of perspectives and facilitate sharing of successful interventions.
Integration of patient and public feedback throughout the research process ensures a patient-centred approach, enhancing relevance and impact.
Our multifaceted engagement strategy ensures comprehensive, culturally sensitive research, capable of generating meaningful impacts on health outcomes and equity.
Research
Patient and community engagement were central to our initiative. The process involved ongoing collaboration with African immigrant community leaders through an advisory committee, ensuring their insights guided the research. Regular communication and feedback loops were established to maintain a dynamic and inclusive approach.
Continuous and varied contact occurred between affected patients or the community and research and clinical professionals. This included regular meetings, focus groups, interviews, and collaborative events. The aim was to establish a reciprocal dialogue, fostering trust and understanding between the researchers and the community.
Community consent and ownership were sought through transparent and inclusive processes. The advisory committee played a vital role in representing community interests. Regular discussions and presentations ensured that decisions were collectively made, establishing a sense of ownership within the community.
The engagement process led to several impactful changes in the project. Input from the community influenced the research focus, the methodologies, and the creation of The Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program. The engagement also prompted adjustments in communication strategies, ensuring cultural sensitivity and relevance.
Patient representatives and partner researchers were integral to the communication of findings and outcomes. They were actively included in presentations to policymakers, government agencies, and community stakeholders. Recognition of their contributions was emphasized to underscore the collaborative nature of the research.
Translating to impact
Translating research into impact is crucial for us. Securing grants and establishing The African Child and Youth Migration Network ensures a sustained global impact. Knowledge mobilization efforts, including presentations to policymakers, contribute to establishing mental health clinics for Black youth. This translation reinforces our commitment to addressing health disparities within African immigrant communities both locally and globally.
