KEMRI’s Intensive Training Program Prepares Research Assistants for School Feeding Program Evaluation

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) through the Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR), and in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, held a successful School Feeding Program (SFP) Evaluation Training Programme .

The event the that took place from June 11th to 18th, 2024, at KEMRI Headquarters was aimed at equipping research assistants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively evaluate school feeding programs across
various sites in Kenya.

Speaking during the event, the CPHR Deputy Director, Dr. Zipporah Bukania said “Your role is crucial in ensuring that the school feeding programs are effectively evaluated and improved. we are delighted to have you here and are confident that the skills you gain during this training will significantly contribute to the success of our research initiatives.”

Throughout the four-day training, participants engaged in comprehensive sessions covering various aspects of the evaluation process. These included study methods, sampling techniques, recruitment strategies, and the ethical considerations necessary when working with children and schools. Additionally, participants were introduced to REDCap, a data collection and management tool, which they will use for the study.

The training also provided an in-depth look at the study’s key components, such as caregiver demographics, dietary assessments, child anthropometrics, educational outcomes, and cognitive development. Practical sessions were conducted to ensure that participants could apply theoretical knowledge effectively. The final day involved piloting the Child Cognitive Development Questionnaire at selected schools, allowing participants to gather feedback and refine their techniques before the full-scale study.

The program’s success was evident in the active participation and enthusiasm of the research assistants. The extension of the training by an additional day highlighted the commitment to ensuring all participants were fully prepared and confident in their roles.