Guest Post: From an AuthorAID Workshop Grant Recipient

[This post is from Ntogwa Bundala, who recently received an AuthorAID workshop grant. Thank you! —Barbara]

The organization Trumpet of Rural Women and Children (TRWC), a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Tanzania, conducted a training workshop on research writing and publication. The workshop was held on 7–9 December 2015 at Mwanza Marine Police College. It was attended by 26 participants. There were participants from the police force, local governments, media, educational boards, NGOs, and universities.

The selection of participants was very competitive because there were many qualified applicants. The participants were of the caliber of master’s and PhD students.

The workshop training was officially opened by the Commandant of the Marine Police College, Senior Superintendent Zarau Mpangule. Next the opening remarks were given by the director of the TRWC, Mr. Zengo Stephen. General information about the workshop and AuthorAID was then presented by Mr. Ntogwa N. Bundala.

The workshop training was facilitated by Mr. Ntogwa N. Bundala. Mr. Bundala has experience in writing and publication and in reviewing research works for publication. He has many publications in local and international journals.

The workshop participants were very motivated by the topics presented. They requested the addition of more time and recommended that the workshop last at least one week.

As the way forward, on the last day of the workshop the participants agreed to establish a researcher network, known as the Tanzania Professional Research Network (TPRN). This network was registered on 28 December 2015 and is in operation. This is recognized as a great achievement of the TRWC-AuthorAID Workshop at the Mwanza Marine Police College.