Design of a Content Management System for a health NGO

This project came about through the request of the NGO Epilepsy SA (Western Cape) to electronically document and manage data relating to their clients details and activities. Up to that time all of this was done manually. Additional requirements were: - reporting sub-system to produce weekly / monthly reports - intranet-based system - secure user friendly interface for use without high proficiency in IT skills - mobile service to provide appointment & event reminder

Exploring the Meaning of Fatherhood in Guguletu

This was a study conducted by a Gender Studies Honours student who collaborated with the NGO Ikamva Labantu in Guguletu. The NGO was interested in understanding men's involvement as fathers and what support they needed for this role. The aim of the study was two fold: - to explore the experiences of fathers who were permanently involved in their children's lives, and - to unpack how fatherhood is practiced in South Africa This was done by examining how these men assumed their role, how their experiences were shaped, the demands that follow fatherhood, and highlighting some of the support structures they relied on in times of hardships

Setting up a media club to help keep kids in school

A non-government organization called "outh Empowerment through School" (Y.E.S) aims to equip learners with employability skills. It offers programmes at the Lavender Hill Secondary School that encourage its over 1000 learners to complete their schooling. YES approached approached the UCT Knowledge Co-op with a project idea for UCT students to assist in the setting up of a media club for learners. The aim of the project was for the IS students to "train the trainers" who would continue running the club in the future. Pascale Henke and Terrina Govender of the Honours Outreach & Community Involvement Programme (HOCIP) based in UCT's Information Systems depart-ment took on the project with great enthusiasm

Determining the necessity of a footbridge in Statice Heights

The research stemmed from a request from The Women's Circle (TWC), an NGO that works in Statice Heights and other areas. TWC's aim is to encourage and assist people in finding solutions to the challenges they face in their context. In this particular case TWC requested assistance in motivating for the building of a footbridge, by the City of Cape Town, across the canal in a location currently used to access services in Bridgetown. TWC argue that the current infrastructure is inadequate

"I can't carry on like this": exiting sex work in South Africa: a feminist perspective

This is a feminist study that looked at prostituted women and the challenges they face when trying to leave prostitution. Considering the high prevalence of gender based violence in South Africa, the researchers wanted to understand: - the experiences of women involved in the sex work industry - barriers to exiting sex work - the process of exiting sex wor

The development of a design for a school hall

This project looked at the development of a design for a hall at a primary school. 9 Students used the Sim office project of their Architecture course to work with the Extra-Mural Education Project (EMEP), and the Kannemeyer Primary School in Grassy Park. The object was to develop designs for a school hall, including changes to existing buildings. Nine students from the Architecture Department at UCT worked on the designs

Exploring the experiences of breast cancer survivors

This research was conducted to contribute to the knowledge base of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). Research indicates that breast cancer is diagnosed in approximately one in twenty-nine women in South Africa. Women with lower income often experience lengthy waiting periods between diagnosis and treatment. Very little qualitative research has been conducted to explore lived experiences of patients with breast cancer. This project set out to explore women's experiences at various stages of treatment. Understanding better what it is like for them will help CANSA and others to develop important emotional and other support for women on this journey

Developing a user-friendly client database

Epilepsy SA approached the UCT Knowledge Co-op for assistance with the development of an electronic client database system. Manual reporting was becoming too time consuming. They required a system that would manage their client base and track all services offered, then compile reports of all activities. The reports are required for management and to provide funders with an understanding of Epilepsy SA's efforts. In addition staff would need to be trained to use the new system. The UCT Knowledge Co-op approached the Honours Outreach and Community Involvement Programme (HOCIP) based in the Information Systems (IS) department. Ewan James was recruited to dedicate his community service to this project

Assessing an exit strategy for prostituted women

This is a psychological study that looked at the exiting strategies of prostituted women using an interpretative phenomenological approach. It aimed to provide feedback for Embrace Dignity, a Cape Town-based NGO, on how effective their model was in providing an exit from sex work for prostituted women