Proceedings of the 7th World Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Upholding Youth Voices: Unearthing COVID-19’s Impact Through Participatory Research in Lesotho
Sonia Mairos Ferreira, and Kimanzi Muthengi
ABSTRACT:
In response to the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents, UNICEF Lesotho embarked on a qualitative research endeavor. This comprehensive project had a primary aim: to capture the perceptions, understandings, and experiences of young individuals during this global crisis. Employing a gender and human rights lens, this meta-analysis illuminates the distinctive and invaluable nature of participatory research methodologies. These methodologies not only unravel the intricate multifaceted narratives but also serve as a vital conduit for their direct voices to resonate within research findings. Utilizing innovative tools like photovoice and storytelling, applied through a combination of focus group discussions and individual interviews, participatory methods empower children to articulate their experiences, significantly enhancing the depth and authenticity of research insights. Spanning the duration of the pandemic across three districts, the study involved 101 participants aged 10-17, with focus on those hailing from ultra-poor households and those grappling with disabilities. The findings are organized into four pivotal areas: access to COVID-19 information, exacerbated economic struggles, impacts on education and life aspirations, and coping mechanisms employed. However, it is essential to acknowledge that applying participatory research is not devoid of challenges. While participatory methods offer invaluable qualitative insights, they may pose certain limitations for quantitative analysis and generalizability. In conclusion, this meta-analysis staunchly advocates for the adoption of participatory research methodologies, as a distinctive and indispensable lens for understanding, amplifying, and safeguarding the voices of children. These methodologies provide a unique pathway for children to directly influence interventions and policymaking.
keywords: Children and Youth voices, Participatory Research, COVID-19 Impact, Children’s Experiences, Gender and Human Rights