Speech and Language Therapy: Practice-based Learning

In many cultures around the world, it is commonplace for children not to have similar rights to those in Scotland. Many children don’t attend school and are working instead, some marry at a young age and many experience harsh physical punishment.

Researchers at QMU are studying how faith leaders, their spouses, and faith communities can challenge the traditional values, norms, and practices that undermine child protection. Our team is working in three countries that differ in their religious backgrounds: Senegal (Muslim), Guatemala (Christian) and Uganda (a mixture of the two religions).

Faith leaders have significant influence in the communities of these countries. By exploring their influence, our researchers, Drs Carola Eyber and Kanykey Jailobaeva will help deepen the knowledge and understanding of the role that faith leaders, their spouses, and faith communities can play in child protection. The findings of our study can contribute to more effective programmes and projects implemented by international NGOs and donor organisations working with faith communities on child protection.