Codifying Shujaaz Inc's Participatory Learning Research Methodologies And Building Capacity Through Collaborative Learning
Project Summary
Codifying Shujaaz Inc’s Participatory Learning Research Methodologies and Building Capacity Through Collaborative Learning This project is creating practical “how-to” tools to help health researchers and practitioners work more closely and collaboratively with young people and their communities. Building on over a decade of Shujaaz Inc’s participatory research experience, it captures what we’ve learned about doing research with young people as equal partners, not subjects. Using a human-centered design process, the team is co-developing and testing these tools with youth researchers and CFE partners to ensure they are relevant, useful, and easy to apply. The project embodies the Centres for Exchange principles of equity, inclusion, and collaboration by shifting power, deepening participation, and supporting more community-driven approaches to research and social change.
Organisation Snapshot
Shujaaz Inc is a social impact organization in Kenya working to break down barriers for young people across East Africa. Through research, media, and community engagement, Shujaaz helps young people build better futures by connecting them with information, opportunities, and each other. Our work blends participatory research with storytelling to uncover young people’s lived realities and spark change on issues that matter most to them, from SRH, Gender, livelihoods and Governance to climate. We collaborate with partners across the region to design evidence-driven, youth-led solutions that drive lasting social impact.
Project Team
Bridget Deacon
Managing Director & Head of Programmes
As Managing Director at Shujaaz Inc, she provides strategic direction and leadership to the organisation’s senior team and guides the strategic vision across all programmes. Before moving to Kenya in 2006, Bridget worked at the BBC in London, specialising in youth television drama. She provides strategic leadership on the Wellcome Trust project, ensuring alignment, collaboration, and impact across partners.
Christine Njeri
Knowledge and Learning Associate
Christine Njeri is a Knowledge and Learning Associate passionate about ground-truthing with young people. She uses participatory approaches alongside quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods of research. Her work centers on capturing authentic insights and elevating youth voices. She tracks impact through data, lived experiences, and stories that reflect how Shujaaz transforms young people’s lives.
Evelyn Kemunto
Technical Lead Consultant– Study Design and Action Research
Evelyn Kemunto is an experienced development professional with over 20 years of progressive, hands-on experience in programme design and management, research, knowledge management, organisational learning, and M&E. She has worked with UN agencies, international NGOs, social enterprises, and community-based programmes across the Global South. At Shujaaz Inc, Evelyn is the Technical Lead Consultant on the Wellcome Trust project, overseeing study design and action research. She brings deep expertise in participatory research, learning design, and context-driven monitoring frameworks, and is passionate about co-creating locally relevant solutions that drive sustainable change.
Norah Kopi
Technical Research Assistant Consultant
Norah Kopi is a research professional with strong experience in coordinating participatory studies and developing tools that enable young people to take an active role in the research process. At Shujaaz Inc, she serves as the Technical Research Assistant consultant on the Wellcome Trust project, supporting the design, coordination, and implementation of participatory research with youth across Kenya. Norah has previously worked as a Research and Project Coordinator and Research Associate at Shujaaz Inc, and with Save the Children. She is passionate about youth-led inquiry and creating inclusive approaches that center young people’s voices.