Meet Alfred

The Global Research Team is happy to introduce Alfred Taban, who works as research assistant in Kakuma, Kenya. Alfred joined the team last November and has been focusing on two research projects: an investigation of the impact of the Diploma in Liberal Studies from the perspective of the community members whose lives were touched by the graduates, and a study on the transformative impact on the teaching practice of teachers working in Kakuma refugee camp who completed  the Learning Facilitator professional programme.

I am Alfred Taban Richard, a South Sudanese refugee currently residing in Kakuma Refugee Camp, in North-western Kenya. I am a Research Assistant for Jesuit Worldwide Learning and I have previously worked as a research assistant for the Fletcher School-Tufts’ University, as a child protection officer for the Lutheran World Federation, and as a teacher for the Norwegian Refugee Council. I run a Facebook page for the Organisation for Environmental Planning and Management (OEPM).

I was born in Kakuma Refugee Camp as my parents were among the first people to flee into the camp. I completed primary and secondary education in Kakuma refugee schools but managed to score a high grade that enabled me to acquire a DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship through UNHCR, to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Education at Kenyatta University. I also completed a certificate in Leadership offered by an organisation called The Journey, and a certificate in Leadership and Mentorship at Kenyatta University. Furthermore, I completed a certificate in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Auditing at Africa Waste and Environment Management Centre (AWEMAC).

I fight for education and [to address] climate change in my community. I am hardworking, enthusiastic, friendly and optimistic. In my free time, I always read environmental documentaries and books.

Being a part of the Global Research Team at a reputable organisation like JWL motivates me, as I will learn new skills and nurture my passion for research, while learning about the impact of education on the refugee community in general and more specifically young people.

The participatory approach JWL takes to research has capacity building in the field as a pivotal element, so that meaningful and relevant research topics can be addressed and unpacked at a local level; this is why working with young, talented and motivated people such as Alfred is key.  The reports Alfred is working on for the project ‘The Impact of the Diploma in Liberal Studies on the life of Graduates’ Communities from the Voices of the Community’ will be published on our Research page starting in May 2022, so stay tuned!