22 QMYOU / Health and Rehabilitation
Influencing the next generation of social scientists in Africa
Interview with Sarah Ssali , International Health graduate Sarah Ssali , Senior Lecturer in Makerere University , Uganda , graduated with a PhD International Health Studies from QMU ’ s Institute for International Health and Development ( now Institute for Global Health and Development ), 1999 – 2003
What does your lecturing position at Makerere University involve ?
As part of the School of Gender Studies I focus on gender analysis . I teach students about gender and its relation with the state and public policy , institutions and social transformation , research methods and feminist theory . My work within the Clinical Epidemiology Unit includes looking at government policies and the health system from a social ( including gender ) perspective . This involves examining the impact of social policy on communities affected by poverty and war .
Why did you come to Scotland in 1999 ?
QMU offered me the opportunity to develop my current knowledge in international health and to learn to study and teach . Having previously visited Scotland , my husband said that it was the best country in the world !
What were your achievements while studying at QMU ?
Completing my PhD in three years whilst raising a young child and also having a baby ! I was seven months pregnant when I arrived in Scotland and my husband was studying abroad . As a single parent , juggling a young family and my education was very challenging .
What were the most important lessons you learned from the international health staff at QMU ?
That good teaching is about humility and information sharing .
In Uganda , being a professor is a really big thing – it brings status and clout . But QMU has a different value system . A lecturer must have high levels of integrity and to teach well you must be able to empathise with students and communities . You must see things from all angles and be able to relate to people . It ’ s about how you positively impact people and share knowledge for the betterment of society . It ’ s not about being better or more knowledgeable than your students .
I also learned the benefits of inter-professionalism and how helpful it is to have other people from different specialisms critique your work . My final reports were always much better if I allowed others , from different backgrounds , to critically evaluate my work .
Did your time at QMU influence your teaching ?
The influence of QMU staff has been significant on my lecturing . I undertook pedagogical training while at QMU and I had the opportunity to teach whilst studying for my PhD . I also learned how to research , as well as the importance of critical analysis . Critical analysis is an important part of what is taught at QMU . This style was not part of teaching in Uganda . Normally Ugandan teachers provide all of the information necessary , the students learn it all , regurgitate it correctly , and pass the exam . Critical analysis helps people improve what has been done in the past and so affects positive change .
I have applied QMU ’ s various teaching styles to my lecturing at the University of Makerere , and I have been promoted several times . I now sit on the University Council and oversee graduate programmes . I am helping to change and influence teaching styles across the University and in my school and college .
How has your research style affected communities in Uganda ?
You must be able to empathise with people if you are going to carry out research work in some of the poorest communities . My research has involved hundreds of people in Uganda and you can only be successful if you try to see the world through their eyes . Hopefully the results of my research for the ReBUILD project will help transform health systems in Uganda and improve the lives of the poor .
Most significant achievement whilst working in Uganda ?
Being able to join the administration of the Academic Staff Union which allows me to advocate for the improvement of staff welfare .
I really improved my English while studying at QMU and , as a result , I am often asked to contribute to University reports for government policy makers .
What are you most proud off ?
Being able to identify and teach Africa ’ s next generation of social scientists . I am delighted to be a lead facilitator on the Social Sciences Research Council on the programme ‘ Next Generation of African Social Scientists ’ which means I am helping to nurture and develop some of the leaders of the future in Africa . It is one of the most inspiring programmes I have been involved with , and one which will have real impact on the future of Africa .
What ’ s the best bit about coming back Scotland ?
The opportunity to come back to Edinburgh to take part in the ReBUILD project is fantastic . After a visit to Scotland I feel reborn ! It ’ s like going to an academic Mecca !
How have you stayed connected with QMU ?
QMU gave me a future , so it ’ s important to me that I am able to give something back .
I undertake joint research projects like the ReBUILD Consortium and I support QMU students who wish to carry out research in Uganda .
What ’ s the most important life ’ s lesson you learned from your time at QMU ?
Not everything has to be monetarised . People shouldn ’ t just help others if they are being paid . QMU academics really invested their time , energy and knowledge to help me . That went far beyond normal paid academic hours .
I have tried to use QMU ’ s values to positively influence teaching and research in Uganda . It is very satisfying to see how my students are now using their skills and knowledge to create change in our communities . QMU ’ s work really does have international reach . I am what I am today because of QMU !
What are your best memories of QMU ?
Staff and students from IIHD enjoying the beautiful gardens at the Corstorphine campus and the sense of camaraderie within the Centre and across the University . ❒
22 QMYOU / Health and Rehabilitation