Specialist Research Laboratory

African Laboratory

Research associated with this lab is focused on development over the life-course. We have a particular emphasis on the personal and social development of persons within their social environments.

Summary of Research Activities:

The African Pathways Project is a Research/Practice Partnership between our research team and Mission Australia (a non-government organization providing service delivery), Our focus is the children and families of African Refugees in Australia. Our work is primarily located in the Darebin and Banyul northern districts of Melbourne.

The research and service delivery of the partnership is designed to assist children and young people to make transitions through school. We currently are conducting research projects that form the basis of service delivery and advocacy with government and philanthropic agencies. The research informs the development and evaluation of service programs. Our “whole of school” emphases involves integrated work amongst African and local schools and families.

Current programs include: Investigations of children’s worlds, goals and needs at school (with specific focus on the transition from primary school); after school learning clubs for grade 5 and 6 children at two disadvantaged schools; an after school soccer program for disadvantaged families; and a play group for African parents and small children. Each of these programs is evaluated. We are providing evidence-bases for intervention and advocacy for refugee and other disadvantaged groups.

Research Staff:

Associate Professor Jeanette Lawrence

Ms Agnes Dodds, Medical Education Unit, School of Medicine.

Professor Jacqueline Goodnow, Institute of Early Childhood, Macquarie University.

Dr. Kellie Karantzas (Research Manager)

• Research Collaborators:

• Ms Jane Hunt, Strategy and Operations Manager, Community Services, Victoria, Mission Australia

Our group is part of the “Bridging Multiple Worlds Alliance”, based in University of California, Santa Cruz, Professor Catherine Cooper, Director.

For further information or inspection of the program, please contact Associate Professor Jeanette Lawrence.

Funding & Grants:

Current Research Students:

• Abi Brooker