The overarching aim of the project is to expose and break down biases that contemporary societies face in the context of rapid digitalization and increasing resistance to diversity by learning from three unique contexts that empower youth to deal with these challenges. We will do so by organizing research-oriented, collaborative winter schools in 1) Uganda (2025) to explore digital literacy and health misinformation among diverse youth (in collaboration with Kampala International University and the NGO Junior Achievement Uganda); 2) Kenya (2026) to investigate resilience of disadvantaged and diverse youth in Africa's largest urban slum, Kibera, particularly the role of digital media in social entrepreneurship and political empowerment; and 3) Italy (2027) to study social cohesion and the creation of inclusive multicultural and multiethnic communities in times of increasing socio-political polarization in Europe. The predominant methods of data collection will be 1) community-engaged learning, meaning here the active involvement of local stakeholders in both designing and carrying out the research; and 2) qualitative and creative (digital) methods, drawing on narrative, audio-visual, arts-based and experiential forms of knowledge production that provide alternative and empowering channels for expression for youth and community members alike.

More information can be found on https://bridgingcontinents.sites.uu.nl 

• prof. dr. Bruce Mutsvairo
• dr. Ester Driel MSc
• dr. Sarah Anschütz