Partnership for Research with African Newcomers

Partnership for Research with African Newcomers

@pran-22.bsky.social

A partnership of universities, community-based organizations, and government organizations dedicated to optimizing sub-Saharan African immigrant and refugee (SSAI) settlement and integration. Funding provided by SSHRC. https://linktr.ee/pran_22

18 Followers 52 Following 35 Posts Joined Apr 2025
Posts Following
8 months ago
Video thumbnail

Navaid Aziz uses the Arabic word “darb” to begin to unpack misconceptions and interpretations of the Qur’an to demonstrate that Islam does not condone IPV. To hear more from Navaid Aziz, check out episode 3 of Better Than the Cure. See link in bio! #IPV #toolkit

0 0 0 0
8 months ago
Heading "Meet Zalika Scott-Ugwuegbula" in large white font, in smaller font underneath, "Ph.D. Student | University University of Alberta". Main body of graphic is, "Research Interests: Experiences of Black autistic LGBTQIA+ community members & students; Black autistic post-secondary students’ experiences of: academic assessments, learning outcome improvements". Another subheading follows, "Fun Facts: Endurance runner; Enjoys hiking, camping, reading, & crafts". On the right side, bottom corner of the graphic is a large image of a young Black woman wearing glasses, this is Zalika. She has a subtle smile. Top of graphic in large font, "What do you like most about working with PRAN?" followed by a response in smaller font, "What I truly enjoy about working with PRAN is the opportunity to collaborate with other Black scholars and, in particular, Black women in academia…I feel privileged to work with the African community and among colleagues who are deeply passionate about amplifying the voices of the Sub-Saharan African community”. Bottom left corner of the graphic is a second image of Zalika, a young Black woman wearing glasses with a warm smile. Bottom right of the graphic is her name in large font, "Zalika Scott-Ugwuegbula". Top of the graphic is the question, "What have you learned while working with PRAN?" in large font. Following the title question is Zalika's response in smaller font, "“…Working with PRAN has introduced me to Nigerian community members who have generously shared insights about my ethnicity. Additionally, my collaboration with Dr. Phil Okeke-Ihejirika on a project about the Biafra War has offered me invaluable historical context, perhaps even shedding light on my grandmother’s decision to immigrate to Canada. This experience has been both unexpected and deeply meaningful”. Bottom right of the graphic is a third image of Zalika, smiling, with her head slightly tilted towards the camera. Her name is featured in large font to the left.

Meet Zalika Scott-Ugwuegbula, Ph.D. Student (Psych. Studies of Education), University of Alberta. Zalika recently collaborated to create & facilitate a workshop on #ResearchInterviewing for PRAN students and RAs.

Read Zalika’s full spotlight in our February 2025 Newsletter. Link in bio.

#HigherEd

0 0 0 0
8 months ago
Top of graphic features the logos of PRAN, Women and Gender Equality Canada, and Africa Centre. Underneath the logos, in large navy font outlined in white is "Intimate Partner Violence Project" followed by an image of 5 panels of a pamphlet, some in English and some in French, Underneath the fanned out pamphlet panels in font smaller than the title font is, "Downloadable Pamphlets". To the right is a QR code and under the QR code, in small font is a URL" pran-network.ca/knowledge-mobilization/tools/

Available in English and French, this pamphlet explains what Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is, what it might look like, and its impact. Link in bio to download the pamphlets!

#IPV #domesticviolence #DV #toolkit #pamphlets #community #HigherEd #Research

0 0 0 0
8 months ago
Green background, white font. Heading, "Meet Mohamed Yusuf, Pd.D. Student, Queen's University". Underneath in smaller font, "Research Interests: Experiences of Black Graduate Students, Qualitative Research, Mentorship" followed by, "Fun Facts: varsity athlete (undergrad & M.Ed) varsity assistant coach Queen’s Women’s rugby team second oldest of six children working on 4th degree". To the far right is a picture of Mohamed, smiling, with "PRAN Research Assistant" in large font. Heading, "What do you like most about working with PRAN?" in smaller font underneath, "“I love the collaboration that PRAN has established between multiple universities and a vast number of researchers in various fields. It brings together a sense of community, which I believe is vital when conducting the kind of research that we as a collective are engaging in.It also reminds us as researchers that there is power in numbers and that not every mission has to be accomplished alone”. In the left is an image of Mohamed. Heading, "What have you learned while working with PRAN?" underneath, "“One of the first things I learned with PRAN is the amount of time and effort it takes to tackle a multi-year research plan. As a young researcher, I am starting to be involved in more longitudinal-based studies, but the magnitude and scope of PRAN's multi-year plan have been truly remarkable to be a part of.” A photo of Mohamed is found on the right.

Meet Mohamed Yusuf, Ph.D. Student, #Queen'sUniversity. Mohamed was the #ResearchAssistant for the Gender Institute Winter 2025 synchronous cohort. His Ph.D. research focuses on Black graduate students' experiences.

Read his full spotlight in our January 2025 Newsletter, link in bio.
#HigherEd

0 0 0 0
8 months ago
Title in large orange font, "Better than the cure“. Underneath, in smaller font, "Often, there is a code of silence— we don’t talk about it, we don’t tell anyone about our business, we need to keep it quiet... This is tied to systemic barriers. Black people have been harmed when people have come in to provide support, whether it’s social workers or the police. There’s a reason for that code of silence, but that code of silence is also harmful”. This quote is followed by "Dr. Patrina Duhaney, episode 2". At the bottom of the image are the logos for PRAN, Africa Centre, and WAGE. The right side of the graphic is an outline of a microphone.

Ep. 2 of our podcast features Dr. Patrina Duhaney, an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary. She discusses victimization and violence within relationships, historical and cultural perspectives on #GenderRelations, and more. Listen on Spotify & YT. Link in bio!
#IPV #DV #Toolkit #HigherEd

0 0 0 0
8 months ago
Title: "Meet Dr. Alicia Boatswain-Kyte" in large font, followed by "Assistant Professor, McGill University". In smaller font: "Areas of expertise: Anti-racism (in education, health, & justice) Community-based child welfare Practice with marginalized individuals Social work education Program evaluation" and "Selected Contribution: Building Black community accountability in child welfare: Provincial contexts and Black service provider experiences across three jurisdictions (et al. 2025)" Image of Alicia to the right of the text. Navy background, heading in light blue outlined in white: "What influenced you to go into Social Work?" in smaller, white font beneath it: “…As a social worker, I witnessed how structural inequalities—especially within child welfare—disproportionately impacted Black families. These early observations motivated me to pursue a career that could combine advocacy, research, and community engagement. I saw research not only as a tool for understanding injustice, but also for imagining and building new possibilities”. Navy background, light blue large font with white outline, "What does communal resilience mean to you?" followed by smaller, white font: It “is about the ways communities come together to resist, heal, and build in the face of systemic oppression. It’s rooted in shared care, cultural knowledge, and collective action…Resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about transforming our conditions together”. Image of Alicia in the right corner of the image.

Meet Dr. Alicia Boatswain-Kyte, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, @mcgill.ca. Dr. Boatswain-Kyte is a core member of the PRAN #research team interested in cutting edge research methodologies. Read her full spotlight in our May 2025 Newsletter: tinyurl.com/4kac2mhc.

2 0 0 0
9 months ago
Top of image has logo of PRAN, Women and Gender Equality Canada, and Africa Centre. Under the logos in large lettering is "Intimate Partner Violence Project". Beneath the title are four, fanned out, separate pamphlet panels. The first panel on the far-left reads "Gender Relations" in large font, underneath is "Intimate Partner Violence" in smaller font followed by a graphic of a Black man and Black women, a couple. The next panel's heading is Gender Relations followed by two paragraphs of text, overlapped by the first panel. The third panel image reads "Relations de genre" in large font, underneath is "violence conjugale", followed by the same image from the first panel. The fourth panel image in also in French, overlapped by the third panel.

Available in #English and #French, this pamphlet focuses on #IntimatePartnerViolence and #GenderRelations, complicated during and post-migration. These #pamphlets are intended for community members, leaders, and service providers. Link in bio to download the pamphlets! #IPV #toolkit #DV #GBV

0 1 0 0
9 months ago
Heading: Meet Dr. Jonathan Amoyaw, Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University. Underneath in smaller font: Areas of Expertise: (Im)migration, Transnationalism, & Integration, Population Health, Youth & Family, Social Statistics. Second subheading: Selected Contribution: Looking Beyond Labour Market Integration: Household conditions surrounding refugee children in Canada (GESIS 2020). Photo of Dr. Amoyaw to the right. Heading "What influenced you to go into Sociology?" Response: “…My curiosity deepened as I studied the complexities of social life and its connections to migration dynamics, processes, and outcomes. These insights ignited my interest in the sociology of (im)migration, specifically focusing on (im)migrants' integration, transnational engagements, health, and well-being”. Image of Dr. Amoyaw on the left. Heading, "What does communal resilience mean to you?" Response: “…the collective capacity of a community to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of challenges. It is enhanced through strong social networks, shared resources, and a sense of belonging that fosters mutual support, growth, and collective action…This cycle of giving, receiving, and growing together fosters collective strength and sustainable growth within our communities”. Image of Dr. Amoyaw middle right.

Meet Dr. Jonathan Amoyaw, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Dalhousie University. Dr. Amoyaw is a core member of the PRAN research team. Read Dr. Amoyaw’s full spotlight in our March 2025 newsletter (pran-network.ca/lets-connect...). #Research #HigherEd

1 0 0 0
9 months ago
Heading: "Intimate partner violence" in italics, underneath in larger font: "Facets of IPV". Underneath is an image of a wheel with 5 outer segments: Gender, Religion, Sexuality, Age, Sexuality, Language, and 4 inner segments: parenting, employment, Gender Relations, finance. Inside the wheel says "Focus Areas". Bottom of image are logos for PRAN, WAGE, and Africa Centre.

#IPV does not occur in isolation, so it can’t be addressed and prevented in isolation. Only intersectional approaches that engage all members of our communities will end gender-based violence.

See Linktree in bio to learn more!
#yeg #yyc #domesticviolence #DV #communityengagedresearch #Academia

0 0 0 0
9 months ago
1 Blue background, photo of Dr. Mensah on the right. Heading says "Meet Dr. Joseph Mensah". Underneath, "Professor & Global Geography Program Coordinator | York University". In smaller font, "Areas of expertise: globalization and culture; race, gender, & employment; African development" followed by "Selected Contributions: Black Canadians: History, Experience, and Social Conditions (Fernwood, 2002 & 2010). Boomerang Ethics: How Racism Affects Us All (co-authored with Christopher Williams) (Fernwood, 2017)". Heading "What influenced you to go into Geography?" followed by a quote, "“My increasing fascination with different cultures and places landed me in Human Geography, where I now specialise in issues of migration and population dynamics, especially concerning Africa and its people”. On the left is a photo of Dr. Mensah with his name at the bottom. Heading, "What does communal resilience mean to you?" followed by a quote, "“… ‘communal resilience’ is the ability of a community to withstand, recover, and adapt to challenges and, indeed, come out even stronger. The practical manifestation of communal resilience...often comes in community engagement and mutual support by way of social networks and social capital, with inspiration from our common heritage and our shared experiences of anti-Black racism in Canada…”. A photo of Dr. Mensah is on the right.

Meet Dr. Joseph Mensah, professor and Global Geography Program Coordinator, York University. Dr. Mensah is part of the PRAN research team.

Read Dr. Mensah’s spotlight in PRAN’s Jan 2025 newsletter pran-network.ca/lets-connect....

#HigherEducation #Research #Collab

1 0 0 0
9 months ago

"We want Black student mental health and well-being, advancing from surviving to striving. One does not only need to be Black. We all have a role to play. Collaboration is key. We can make miracles happen.” -Naiima Farah

#congressh

1 1 0 0
9 months ago
"Better than the Cure" in large orange letters, to the right is a microphone. In quotations, "“We have to bring together a variety of stakeholders— pastors, imams, community leaders, men, women, youth, LGBTQ members of our communities…We are working to protect everyone; this is about community well-being and safety, and all members of the community must be considered”- Dr. Philomina Okeke-Ihejirika, episode 1. Bottom of image are logos for PRAN, Africa Centre, and Women and Gender Equality Canada.

"Better than the Cure: Preventing Intimate Partner Violence," ep. 1, Dr. Philomina Okeke-Ihejirika joins our host to discuss #GenderRelations influenced by cultural shifts, migration, & societal dynamics.

Listen on Spotify and YouTube, link in bio.

#IPV #yeg #yyc #domesticviolence #DV #podcast

0 0 0 0
9 months ago
Video thumbnail

Featuring Dr. Philomina Okeke-Iherjirika, this video introduces the topic of gender relations and the factors that impact them. Listen to our podcast, Better Than the Cure, to learn more!
linktr.ee/pran_22

#genderrelations #gender #IPV #equality #yeg #YYC #DomesticViolence

0 0 0 0
9 months ago
Post image

PRAN welcomes three new RAs! Sewordor Toklo (Ph.D. candidate), Chisom Chiobi (undergrad), and Zara Sule (undergrad). We look forward to getting to know each RA as they gain valuable experience as members of the PRAN team! #highereducation #research #emergingscholars #mentorship

0 0 0 0
9 months ago
Video thumbnail

Better than the Cure: Preventing Intimate Partner Violence is an 11-part podcast series on the complexities of #IPV in African-descent communities. Explore issues related to gender relations, engaging men, masculinity, & community engagement. All episodes available on Spotify & YouTube, link in bio.

0 0 0 0
9 months ago
Preview
QES 2025 - Universities Canada Thanks to funding from the Rideau Hall Foundation, QES 2025 is supporting projects that focus on the adaptation, response, and resilience to a changing climate. Note: The projects below are posted in ...

Our QES project is wrapping up but you can check univcan.ca/program-scho... for other projects! QES projects vary between institutions and years, but are student exchange or research collaboration projects. Learn more about QES: queenelizabethscholars.ca/about/

1 0 1 0
9 months ago

PRAN’s training initiatives include a scholar-exchange project through the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship program, @univcan.ca. We’ve hosted 7 #QEScholars from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Nigeria), the University of Kara (Togo), and the University of Ghana.

0 0 0 0
10 months ago
Preview
How to tell if a photo’s fake? You probably can’t. That’s why new rules are needed The solution demands two simple and clear actions: declare that photo manipulation has taken place and disclose what manipulation was carried out.

📸 With #AI, telling real from fake photos is nearly impossible. Transparency in image editing is crucial for truth. 🤖

theconversation.com/how-to-tell-...

#ScienceAndTech

4 2 0 0
10 months ago
Preview
Ontario is desperate for more nurses — but its red tape is forcing qualified ones to leave for other provinces Internationally educated nurses — who are already here in Canada — say red tape is preventing them from working.

Ontario is desperate for more nurses, but foreign-educated nurses in Canada often can't find work due to mismanagement of our immigration & employment integration systems, notes ‪@cercmigration.bsky.social‬ research lead on labour migration, Marshia Akbar. More: tinyurl.com/33fk3wap @thestar.com

2 2 0 0
10 months ago
Event poster with event details: THIS EVENT IS FUNDED BY A SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES RESEARCH COUNCIL (SSHRC) CONNECTION GRANT AND IS CO-ORGANIZED BY DR. ALICIA BOATSWAIN-KYTE. Event title: Black communities: Emancipatory research and pathways to liberation (McGill University). Description: As Black scholars increasingly shape higher education, their voices are central to addressing long-overlooked issues. Yet, traditional research often fails to reflect the realities of Black scholars and their communities, framing universities as external entities. This symposium aims to explore research approaches that empowerBlack communities in Canada, prioritizing Black experiences and fostering meaningful change. Date: May 21 (9:30 AM–5:30 PM) & May 22 (10:00 AM–5:30 PM). Panelists: Dr. Anne Marie-Livingstone, Dr. Gina Lafortune, Dr. Leslie Touré Kapo, Dr. Bélinda Bah, Rito Joseph, Dr. Philip Howard, Dr. Dorothy Williams, Fimo Mitchell, Dr. Philomina Okeke-Ihejirika, Dr. Alexis Dennis, Dr. Lance McCready, Dr. Kanika Samuels-Wortley, Dr. Brooklyn Hitchens, Dr. Yasser-Payne"

Symposium Alert! May 21 & 22, Black communities: Emancipatory research and pathways to liberation.

1 0 0 0
10 months ago
Title "Intimate Partner Violence Project", beneath are three circles overlapping like a venne diagram. The first circle, pink, says "role of men", the second, blue, says "racism", the third, green, says "gender relations". In the overlapping spaces: mental health, migration, parenting, and financial literacy. Bottom left corner is the Africa Centre logo, bottom right corner is the PRAN logo.

Interested in IPV and its intersections like migration, racism, the role of men and faith leaders, and mental health? Stay tuned for highlights from our podcast series, pamphlets, and animated videos! The Toolkit features key insights from community leaders, experts, & service providers.

1 0 0 0
10 months ago
White background, green graphics at top and bottom of image. Title at top of image, "PRAN Training Initiatives". In smaller font is a list: Lunch & Learn webinars; Guides, slides, and tip sheets; Students— research assistant training & mentoring, Gender Institute: research & leadership, Professional development workshops, Winter 2025 collaborative learning cohort; Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Project (scholar exchange Canada-Ghana-Nigeria-Togo)."

One of PRAN’s objectives is to create innovative training for students and highly qualified professionals. We approach this through hiring students, offering Lunch & Learn sessions and workshops, creating guides, slides, and tip sheets, and through our Capacity Building Institute! Next week: QES.

1 0 1 1
10 months ago
Title, "Intimate Partner Violence Project" followed by a secondary title in larger text, "Collaborators". Below is a a pie chart with the heading "Summary of Project Activity Collaborators by identity". To the right of the chart is a legend: medium blue=2SLGBTQ+ Individuals(3.8%); green=non-status, refugee, or immigrant individuals (15.4%); gold-=racialized individuals(63.5%); light yellow=francophone individuals (11.5%); dark blue=minority religion/faith (5.8%). Under the legend is the Africa Centre logo then the PRAN logo. Bottom left corner of the image is a QR code and URL: pran-network.ca/knowledge-mobilization/tools/#IPV Title, "Intimate Partner Violence Project" followed by a secondary title in larger text, "Collaborators". Below is a a pie chart with the heading "Summary of Project Activity Collaborators by sector". To the right of the chart is a legend: dark green=victim-survivors (7%); medium green=immigrant-serving organizations (14%); light green=African, Caribbean, and Black-led organizations (11.6%); light blue=government services (14%); dark yellow=women's or domestic violence shelters (11.6%); dark blue=mental health organizations/therapists (7%); beige=religious/faith leaders (7%); medium yellow=gender-based violence/advocacy/education (16.3%); gold=other frontline services (7%); medium blue=programs for men and boys (7%). Under the legend is the Africa Centre logo then the PRAN logo. Bottom left corner of the image is a QR code and URL: pran-network.ca/knowledge-mobilization/tools/#IPV

Our #IPV Project included diverse voices as collaborators, working group members, and experts. Project stakeholders included Black Canadians and immigrants, victim-survivors, and those with experience in gender-based violence advocacy and education, newcomer support, and programming for men & boys.

0 0 0 0
10 months ago
Post image Post image

Our researchers and research assistants bring perspectives from across the social sciences, including education, geography, psychology, social work, sociology, and women’s and gender studies. Our team collaborates across the eight PRAN themes on PRAN-led, partner-led, and researcher-led projects.

0 0 0 0
10 months ago
Post image Post image Post image

Meet our team! PRAN's team includes researchers, partners, and student research assistants from Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, and Edmonton. Our partners serve and support African immigrants and refugees in multiple capacities (1/2).

2 0 1 0
10 months ago
Preview
Does the 'immigrant vote' exist? Experts don’t think so The “immigrant vote” refers to the idea that immigrants are collectively voting for similar issues in elections, but experts say there’s no such thing.

Does the ‘immigrant vote’ exist?

Dr. Irene Bloemraad of @ubcmigration.bsky.social explains to @citynewsvancouver.bsky.social that immigrants will probably vote similarly to Canadian-born voters as they have many of the same concerns: vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/04/23/d...

#cdnelxn #cdnpoli

5 2 0 0
10 months ago
Image: Latte-coloured background with pink title, "Intimate Partner Violence Project". Under the title is the first subheading, in grey, "Our research revealed:". Under the subheading is a large rectangle with rounded corners, white background, pink shadow. In the white space of the rectangle are four pink bullet points with grey text, "Most previous research focused on Toronto; The diversity of Black Canadians is not accounted for in service delivery; Most services don’t address challenges unique to Black women; Family & community contexts are missing from most IPV prevention programs". On the right of the large rectangle is a curved grey arrow directing attention to the second subheading in grey lettering, "Our framework:". Underneath the second subheading are four rectangles with rounded corners, white backgrounds, and pink shadows. In the white space of each rectangle is different text, "Includes diverse Black Canadian voices", "Incorporates cultural & contextual knowledge", "Centres anti-Black racism", and "Recognizes women & girls as experts in their own experiences". At the bottom of the graphic, under the rectangles are the PRAN logo (an African Paradise Flycatcher bird over a two-toned pink lotus flower sitting on a lime green geometric shape), the Africa Centre logo ("Africa Centre" in deep blue to the right of an outline geographic shape of the province of Alberta with an outline geographic shape of Africa slightly overlapping part of it. The Africa outline has an outline of a maple leaf in the centre of it, half gold, half green), and a QR code with the words, "Access the toolkit:" next to it and a backup link underneath it: "https://pran-network.ca/knowledge-mobilization/tools/#IPV".

Working directly with African, Caribbean, and Black communities in Alberta, the #IPV Project created a framework that includes cultural knowledge, centres diverse community voices and anti-Black racism, and recognizes women & girls as experts of their experiences. #domesticviolence #equality

0 0 0 0
10 months ago
Latte-coloured background, with 21 different logos. Image includes the logos for the following organizations: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, University of Alberta, Queen's University, York University, McGill University, Francophonie Albertaine Plurielle (FRAP), Dalhousie University, Africa Centre, NorQuest College, Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, The Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE), Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia, Mount Saint Vincent University, Mount Royal University, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Black Business Initiative (BBI), Islamic Family & Social Services Association, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Partners contribute in many ways—training RAs, research design, knowledge mobilization, community engagement, and more. See the attached photo for our partners. (2/2)

#HigherEducation #AcademicSky #academia #ResearchSky #Researchers #MigrationResearch #immigrationcanada

0 0 0 0
10 months ago
Home - Partnership for Research with African Newcomers​ Partnership for Research with African Newcomers in Canada: Fostering integration and driving resilience through interdisciplinary dialogue and empowerment.

PRAN is a diverse, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral partnership spread across #Canada. Our partners include universities, community-service organizations, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (1/2)

Learn more about PRAN: pran-network.ca

0 0 1 0
10 months ago
Heading: Intimate Partner Violence Project" underneath in larger lettering "Toolkit". Image of a wood tool box with a podcast microphone, pamphlets, handbook, movie board inside. Underneath toolbox on the left side is a list "a podcast, animated videos a framework report, pamphlets, a handbook, interactive sessions". To the far right is a QR code, a subheading saying "Access the Toolkit: https://pran-network.ca/knowledge-mobilization/tools/#IPV

Collaborating with Africa Centre, we created and implemented an Intimate Partner Violence prevention-focused service and policy framework. Check PRAN socials on Thursdays for IPV Project insights on topics including gender relations, parenting, building supports, adaptive prevention, and more! #IPV

0 0 0 0