Clacherty & Associates offers a specialised approach to qualitative participatory research with children.

Traditional research approaches such as focus group discussions are not appropriate for children in the 7 to 12 age group. Working from the most recent international thinking on participatory research with children we have developed a research approach that uses carefully structured participatory activities based on art, drama and games as a window into children's experiences, worlds and minds.

In addition, we have recently begun to develop methodologies for working with young children aged 4 to 6.

Glynis Clacherty has become well-known for the development of ethical approaches to working with vulnerable children.

Our researchers have all been trained to handle sensitive issues that may arise in a group and know how to refer these to the relevant professional if necessary. We have a national network of service organisations who work with children.

Groups are always run in the children's home language. We use either local researchers or work through interpreters and can, therefore, work anywhere in South and southern Africa.

Our research is backed up with literature reviews and consultation with experts in the field of study. We have contact with a broad network of professionals who are working with children. Professor David Donald, Department of Education Psychology, University of Cape Town is one of our associates.
 

Glynis Clacherty and David Donald have recently completed a paper funded by the Mellon Foundation titled Child participatory research: A reflection on ethical challenges in the southern African context. This paper includes examples of our work done in southern Africa over the last three years. View the abstract and order a copy of the journal here (click on Vol 6:2 and scroll down to find the article).

Glynis has written a booklet on media research with children for Soul City. The booklet is available from Soul City.