The Centre for Research, Training and Trainings (CRTP) at Hekima University College in collaboration with School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London organized writers’ workshop on March 25th to 26th, 2024. The workshop aimed to provide a platform for masters’ students, doctorate, post-doctoral and early researchers to improve their skills, exchange ideas, and network in academic writing and publications. A total of 30 participants from various public and private universities attended the workshop. Universities represented were Daystar University, St. Paul University, University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Tangaza University College, among others. The workshop was officially opened by the principal of Hekima University College, Rev. Dr. Marcel Uwineza, who warmly welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of research in academic success
The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Elias Opongo, Dr. David Kaulem, Dr. Sarah Njeri, and Natalia Bueno who led different sessions covering a wide range of topics such as the politics of knowledge production, strategies for successful publication in books, journals, and popular literature, and establishing oneself as a scholar in respective fields. This was followed by roundtable discussions of Q&A sessions where presenters shared personal publishing journeys and effective writing skills and techniques. Participants were also divided into small mentorship groups, where they discuss topics such as thesis writing and publishing, turning a thesis into a book, and the journal publication process.
Participants expressed their gratitude for the informative sessions, with testimonials highlighting newfound knowledge and inspiration for their academic journeys. Dr. Elizabeth Kithuka, a participant in the workshop and a lecturer at Daystar University expressed appreciation for the workshop’s informative nature and looks forward to future collaborations. In her own words “The workshop was very informative, the facilitators did excellent work.” Another participant echoed that “Thank you so much for organizing such a great event. It was quite informative and insightful.” Moreover, another student acknowledged the workshop’s relevance to her thesis writing journey, despite her specialization in Peace and Conflict Studies, and called for more workshops of that nature to be held frequently and more time to be allocated for such events. The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Elias Opongo, affirming the commitment of CRTP to empower scholars in their research endeavors.