Academic

New book highlights migrants’ mental health challenges

Horrific scenes of migrants who have perished on the high seas while in search of a better life is a too-familiar sight on television screens, online and in newspaper pages. Extreme hunger, repressive governments and ethnic and religious conflicts are cited as among the contributory factors for the crises.

A North-West University (NWU) academic with research interests in the fields of migration and clinical psychology, Prof Erhabor Idemudia, has traversed six European countries to highlight the plight of this vulnerable group and to seek solutions.

Submitted on Fri, 01/29/2021 - 09:11

Study investigates the root of violence in schools

Teaching is often seen as a calling rather than a career. But that calling quickly turns into a nightmare when teachers are attacked by the very people they are trying to educate.

Over the past few years, there have been numerous reports in the media of learners physically assaulting, stabbing and even shooting their teachers.

Dr Michael Nhambura, a North-West University (NWU) alumnus, conducted his PhD study on learner violence at schools.

Submitted on Fri, 01/29/2021 - 08:44

Behind the scenes of a pandemic

“A learning experience like no other.” This is how Prof Petra Bester, director of the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR) at the North-West University (NWU), describes the unit’s exposure to the inner workings of the North West province’s efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the early days of the pandemic, AUTHeR embarked on a unique journey with the North West Department of Health (NWDoH) – a journey that highlighted the value of transdisciplinary research.

Submitted on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 11:05

NWU researcher investigates role of traditional medicine in skin disorders

Many people rely on traditional plant remedies to treat skin disorders, and now a North-West University (NWU) researcher has investigated why these plants are effective, paving the way for further research by the pharmaceutical industry.

“The use of indigenous knowledge in providing primary healthcare, especially in most indigenous African communities, is as old as human history,” says Dr John Awungnjia Asong, researcher and recent PhD graduate.

Submitted on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 10:53