The Call for Participants to “We Are Recording You Nairobi” is Now Open!!!!

Are you interested in researching how digital technologies are used in Nairobi to monitor security issues? Are you interested in discussing how digital technologies are transforming our understanding and approach to security, social cohesion, and surveillance?

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If you are curious about these topics, you are invited to “We are Recording you Nairobi”, a research sprint we are hosting on security policies, coexistence and digital surveillance in Nairobi.

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From May 23 to July 18 2023, participants will have a unique opportunity to explore how the intersection of security and social cohesion, with digital surveillance technologies, is transforming Nairobi's social contract. Participants will also explore what security and social cohesion mean and require for different sectors of society, and what are the potential and risks of the digitalization of security and the surveillance society.

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In a nutshell:

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• The research sprint is hosted by the Edgelands Institute in partnership with Lawyers Hub from May 23 to July 18 2022 and will have a hybrid format.
• The program brings together leading national and international experts.
• The average time commitment is up to 6 hours a week.
• We are inviting youth who live in Nairobi, with a background in all disciplines, to apply and become actively involved in all parts of the program.
• Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate of participation issued by the Edgelands Institute.

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• DEADLINE TO APPLY: Sunday, May 14, 2023.

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Program breakdown:

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The program consists of four key components:

• A 1-hour virtual welcome session on May 23, followed by a 1-hour podcast workshop.
• A set of 7 virtual anchor sessions in which participants will meet weekly, and engage in substantive topics together with domain experts. These will take place every Tuesday from 16h00-18h00 on Zoom.
• 8 weekly in-person group work research sessions, between both participants and mentors, focused on researching a specific question, and on the creation of a podcast episode as a product of the research conducted. These will be every Thursday from 15:00-18:00 at Lawyers Hub.
• A closing event open to the public on July 25 where participants will be able to present and discuss the finding of their research.

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What we offer participants:

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• Research with impact: A unique opportunity to participate in hands-on research activities on a pressing issue and with a real-world impact opportunity.
• Mentorship and networking: Meet, work and learn with, and from, leading world-wide experts in the field of digital technology, security, and surveillance.
• Skill building: Improve and expand your research, critical thinking, synthesis and analysis, and collaboration skills as part of an interdisciplinary research team on an accelerated timeline.

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What we are looking for:

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• Youth who are passionate about interdisciplinary research in a novel and highly collaborative program.
• Fluency in English.
• Commitment to take part in weekly 2-hour virtual sessions, and 3-hour in person research meetings between May 23 to July 21.
• Average time commitment of 6 hours a week.
• Motivation to produce research outputs within the time of the sprint, and to contribute to the creation of a podcast.

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Application:

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• Reminder: there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate. Whatever background you bring with you, apply if this is a role that tickles your fancy!
• Please apply by FILLING OUT THIS APPLICATION FORM by Sunday, May 14, 2023.
• Applicants will receive notification of admission no later than Wednesday, May 17 2022. The form will require that you upload your CV or Resume.

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If you have any questions, you can write to us at vanessa@edgelands.institute

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