"Capacity Building for Open Research Infrastructure Services in Kibra Slum Area of Nairobi, Kenya"
Funding Area: Capacity building / Construcción de capacidad
Problem Statement: The proposed work addresses the critical need for capacity building in open research infrastructure services specifically tailored to Kibra slum in Kenya. Kibra, being one of the largest and most densely populated slums in Nairobi, faces numerous challenges in accessing reliable and secure open infrastructure. Limited access to quality research resources and technical expertise hinders the participation of Kibra residents in the global research ecosystem. The proposed work aims to empower the Kibra community by providing them with the necessary skills, governance structures, and access to open research infrastructure, ultimately fostering sustainable development and knowledge dissemination in this marginalized region.
Proposed Activities: Needs Assessment in Kibra (Month 1): Conduct an in-depth needs assessment in Kibra to understand the unique challenges and requirements of the community concerning open research infrastructure. Capacity Building Workshops (Months 2-6): Organize capacity building workshops, including technical training sessions, to equip Kibra residents with the skills needed to use and maintain open research infrastructure effectively. Co-designing Governance Structures (Months 7-8): Collaborate with community members to design transparent and community-driven governance structures for open research infrastructure services in Kibra. Implementing Governance Models (Months 9-10): Facilitate the establishment and implementation of the co-designed governance models, ensuring community engagement and decision-making. Monitoring and Evaluation (Months 11-12): Continuously monitor the impact of capacity building efforts and governance models, gathering feedback from the community, and making necessary adjustments for sustainability. Documentation and Knowledge Sharing (Months 13-15): Create comprehensive documentation and guidelines for using open research infrastructure, ensuring it is accessible to the Kibra community and beyond.Expertise and Resources: A multidisciplinary research team with expertise in open infrastructure, community engagement, and capacity building. Partnerships with local organizations and NGOs with experience in working with Kibra residents. Workshop facilitators, technical trainers, and project coordinators. Funding for conducting workshops, training materials, and technical infrastructure improvements.
Openness: The proposed work embraces openness in various aspects. Firstly, the open research infrastructure services implemented in Kibra will adhere to open standards and utilize open source technologies, promoting access and participation in research. Secondly, the project will actively engage the broader Kibra community through participatory workshops and co-designing governance structures, ensuring their voices are heard and integrated into the development process. Lastly, all project outputs, including documentation and guidelines, will be shared openly through platforms with Creative Commons licenses, making them freely accessible to other underserved communities facing similar challenges.
Challenges: *Challenges: Anticipated challenges in carrying out this work in Kibra include: Addressing limited access to technology and the digital divide within the slum. Engaging the community and building trust in the capacity building initiatives. Overcoming potential language barriers and ensuring inclusivity for all residents. Securing sustainable funding to support long-term capacity building efforts.
Neglectedness: *Neglectedness: To the best of our knowledge, there are limited sources of funding specifically focused on capacity building for open research infrastructure services tailored to the unique needs of Kibra slum in Kenya. As a marginalized community, Kibra often receives limited attention in funding opportunities, leading to a neglect of initiatives that could uplift its residents. The current funding call by Invest in Open Infrastructure (IOI) presents a timely opportunity to address this neglect and empower the Kibra community.
Success: *Success: The success of the proposed work in Kibra will be measured by: Increased technical skills and knowledge among Kibra residents in using open research infrastructure. The establishment of transparent and community-driven governance structures for open research services, reflecting the values and needs of the Kibra community. Improved access to research resources and opportunities, leading to greater participation in the global research ecosystem. The creation of a sustainable and resilient open research ecosystem in Kibra, promoting knowledge creation and dissemination within the slum and beyond.
Total Budget: 31,500
Budget File: pdf
Affiliations: Prefix Research Limited (My employer)
LMIE Carveout: Yes, our project fits within this category as it focuses on capacity building in open research infrastructure services specifically tailored to Kibra slum in Kenya, which is located in a Low and Middle Income Economy (LMIE). Our team and organization are based in Kenya, ensuring direct engagement with the Kibra community, and the project aims to empower residents of Kibra, who are underserved in terms of access to open infrastructure. By targeting a marginalized community within an LMIE, our project aligns with the goal of increasing investment and adoption of open infrastructure in LMIEs.
Team Skills: Our diverse team is well-prepared for the success of the Kibra project. With expertise in Open Research Infrastructure, we can design and implement tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of the Kibra community. Community engagement is at the core of our approach, enabling us to build trust and ensure active participation. We have established partnerships with local organizations and NGOs, gaining valuable insights into the community's unique needs and challenges. Technical competence allows us to deliver accessible capacity building programs on open research infrastructure, ensuring inclusivity. Our experience in community development drives our focus on fostering sustainable initiatives that empower marginalized communities. We continuously monitor and evaluate our efforts to make informed decisions, ensuring the project's effectiveness and adaptability. As advocates of openness, we aim to extend the project's benefits beyond Kibra by upholding the principles of open access and knowledge sharing, fostering collaboration and co-creation in the wider research community.
Submission Number: 80
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