Testimonials

You are researching teaching in vocational training in social pedagogy. What exactly do we not understand and why do you want to change this?

Early childhood education is an important first foundation for further educational pathways. Teachers of social pedagogy vocational education specialists who work in child daycare centres, among other places. However, in order to enable the highest possible degree of professionalisation in this area, we still know far too little about how teaching should be designed in order to learn social pedagogical action. Although didactic approaches have existed since the 1980s, there is still a lack of empirical research on how teachers actually teach and what they orientate themselves towards (didactically and methodologically).

How do you conduct your research?

In my view, teaching is a highly routinised (everyday) action by teachers. This makes it difficult to explain to others how and why they acted in this way. Therefore, I observed lessons in a participatory manner in order to be able to ask questions about the (observed) actions on this basis. At the same time, I was able to mirror my own observations to the teachers and, in addition to their own statements, observe how these were reflected in their actions or whether there were deviations.

How would you describe the part of the Leuphana Doctoral Research Group for your dissertation project?

Through the events at the programme, especially the reflection and interpretation workshop and the colloquia, I was able to take my first steps in academia and (learn to) present myself and my topic. The interdisciplinarity enabled me to look at my project from other perspectives, to find new ways or solutions to challenges or to reinforce my previous approach. For me as a research assistant at the university, the doctoral research group also opens up a contact space with external doctoral candidates and scholarship holders. This exchange is very beneficial for everyone.

What advice can you give to people who want to pursue a doctorate?

Of course, there is a lot of pressure, if only because of the professional framework and funding. From my perspective, it is nevertheless important to give yourself time to develop and find your own path in order to maintain the joy of research. At the same time, networking, self-organisation and creative breaks are key.

What is your research project about?

I analyse programs critical for the realisation and respect of children’s rights protecting them from abuse, exploitation, and violence. I had already worked on that topic in my master’s thesis which focused on the inclusion of children in the policy formulation process that determine their growth and development. The voice of a child is critical when developing policies that concern their welfare. Participation of children promotes sustainability and effectiveness of interventions that facilitate a safe space for children.

My research is also shaped through my personal experience. Losing both my parents and growing up under my grandmother’s care shaped my interests and passion to advocate for support for orphans and vulnerable children.

Your Master’s thesis won the “Child Protection and Gender Trophy Award” at Women’s University of Africa. Then, you received a PhD scholarship through the KAAD. Why did you choose to apply at Leuphana University?

I chose Leuphana because of its reputation and critical relevance to my PhD study. I conducted a university mapping analysis and noticed that Leuphana University was the institution that would make me realise my career goals. Leuphana’s commitment, values and integrity were at the core of my consideration.

Within the doctoral research group “Social Pedagogy in Diverse Societies” I found the mentors I was looking for, thus I shared my application package with Prof. Dr. Lars Alberth. Although I am just getting started at Leuphana, I already received detailed feedback. Particularly, I appreciate the supervision agreement, which lays out a solid path for my research. The professionalism and supportive energy from Leuphana makes me enjoy my study and learn at the same time.

What is your experience as an international graduate applying at Leuphana, what advice can you give to others?

It helps to take your time to analyse which research group suits your interests best. After identifying my potential supervisor, I put a lot of work in my application package which included my research proposal, a motivational letter and information on my personal background.

After my application, I received support to plan my doctoral journey in a way which l believe every PhD candidate wishes for. Therefore, l give my informed advice to other candidates or applicants to consider Leuphana University as an academic hall-mark towards realising their academic goals.

What do you hope to achieve with your research ?

I hope to achieve the realisation of programs and interventions that protect and safeguard children from any form of abuse, violence, and exploitation. This includes participation of children in policy making processes concerning their welfare, developing a Child Protection Framework and implementing it. In the future, l see myself actively participating and contributing to programs around the welfare of children, participating in my doctoral research group and mobilising resources towards sustainable support for the growth and development of children.