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Gaia stands in front of an old cathedral. The text next to her reads: My tutor was so patient. She understood my determination and wouldn't see me give up. I could really tell she was loving her job. Gaia Marsiglione, BA (Hons) Language Studies

“I didn’t give up thanks to an incredible tutor who loved her job”

When a self-confessed “crazy choice” threatened to derail hopes of Gaia completing her Language Studies degree, an Open University (OU) tutor stepped into cheer her on and across the finishing line.

4th June 2024
A globe on top of an open book

New research will explore colonial influences on social protection in Tanzania and Ivory Coast

The Centre for the Study of Global Development (CSGD) has been awarded a grant by the German government to develop a framework study and two country case study papers on social protection and overcoming colonial continuities. The research project aligns with the German Ministry of Development Cooperation’s broader interest in understanding historical path dependencies and the role of colonialism within them.

29th May 2024
Portrait photograph of Professor Victoria Cooper. She has long blonde hair and is wearing a black top. She is stood in front of a sandstone wall in a field.

New Professor of Childhood Studies

Dr Victoria Cooper has been promoted to Professor of Childhood Studies, in recognition of her research expertise focusing on children’s voice, and her extensive teaching experience throughout her career and within the School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport (ECYS).

24th May 2024
A table with learning materials from the 3MPower project

How online teacher development in rural Bangladesh has improved students’ learning

The Mobile Learning for Empowerment of Marginalised Mathematics Educators (3MPower) project has published three new policy briefs based on their research on how teachers in rural schools in Bangladesh use online learning for their professional development. 

22nd May 2024
A trophy in the shape of a person with their arms aloft is lying on a yellow background which is covered in stars and confetti.

Social Work student wins apprenticeship award

Social Work student Hannah Wright has won the Apprenticeship Determination of the Year award at the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Apprenticeship awards 2023/24. The annual awards recognise apprentices who have demonstrated outstanding work and commitment to their role.

21st May 2024
Portrait photograph of Professor Rebecca Jones. She is in an outdoor setting with greenery behind her. She is wearing glasses and a red and black top, and is smiling into the camera.

Professorial promotion for Dr Rebecca Jones

Dr Rebecca Jones has been promoted to Professor of Sociology, Sexuality and Ageing, in recognition of her ground-breaking research, centring on sociological approaches to later life, sexuality and especially sexuality in later life, and her contributions to teaching.

15th May 2024
Four students talking together

Addressing gender-based inequalities in English-medium education settings

New research in Nepal and Nigeria, led by Professor Kristina Hultgren from The Open University’s Centre for the Study of Global Development, shows that English-medium education policies can create gender-based educational inequalities.

9th May 2024
A group of four people sitting and talking together.

New e-zine aims to normalise sexuality discussions among young people in Aruba

Elizabeth Ascroft, a PhD student in the Centre for the Study of Global Development ​recently collaborated with 12 young people (aged 14-16) in Aruba to create a sex-education e-zine. The zine was developed in partnership with Famia Planea Aruba, a sexual and reproductive health provider.

10th April 2024
Woman holding a homemade cardboard sign saying my body, my choice. It's partially covering her face.

Researchers find more support needed for self-managed abortions

Researchers from the OU's Faculty of WELS are investigating how self-managed abortions relate to social connectedness and issues of reproductive control and autonomy. A new paper examines the experiences of self-managed abortion during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to support available from professionals, family and friends. 

28th March 2024

CSGD wins funding to improve children’s literacy

The Centre for the Study of Global Development (CSGD), has been awarded a research grant of £108,000 by the mc2h foundation to explore what activities parents, caregivers, and community groups do to engage children's interest in reading in Nigeria and Ghana. 

27th March 2024

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