Alumni |
ACMS alumni.
In September, Jessica began her doctorate in political science at George Washington University.
Jessica has a degree in Philosophy and International Relations from Tufts University. She has conducted field research on issues related to conflict and transitional justice in Ghana, South Africa, and Northern Uganda.
Thesis abstract: Globalization and an exponential increase in cross-border migration have led to a redefining of belonging a
Caitlin is currently employed as the Learning and Accountability Coordinator at Global Call to Action Against Poverty.
Thesis title: Balancing opportunity and conflict: the impact of a refugee influx on the decentralisation process
Peter is currently pursuing a law degree at Wits.
Thesis title: The ties that bind and bond: socio-cultural dynamics and meanings of remittances among Congolese migrants in Johannesburg
Thesis Abstract: The thesis investigates how transna
Thesis abstract: For more than two decades now, the civil conflict that has pitted
After working in Zambia for 8 months as an HIV/AIDS Youth Coordinator, Jaclyn is back in Vancouver working for Richmond Addiction Services as an Addiction Specialist/Drug and Alcohol Prevention Worker.
Thesis title: Beyond 365 days: the economic integration of African refugees in Vancouver, Canada
Thesis abstract: This s
Thesis title: The 'legality' of illegal Somali migrants in Eastleigh estate in Nairobi, Kenya
Thesis abstract: This report explores the „Legality‟ of illegal Somali migrants in Eastleigh estate in Nairobi, Kenya, a predominantly Somali neighborhood favored by both Somali-speaking Kenyans
Thesis title: The Psycholocial challenges facing Unaccomopanied Refugee Children in Urban Zimbabwe
Thesis abstract: This study explores the psychosocial coping mechanisms of unaccompanied migrant children in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Agnieszka has a background in journalism and theatre. She is currently working as a foreign correspondent for an international news agency. She has worked with refugees and internally displaced people in the six six continents.
Thesis title: Making Meaning amidst Xenophobia: How Apostolic Zionist Churches Make Sense of Outsiders, Scarcity, and Entitlement in Alexandra Township, South Africa
After completing her BA in Philosophy and Religion (honors), Becca worked at a non-profit in Chicago that partnered with universities, civic organizations, religious communities and think tanks to develop skills among yo
Thesis title: Local Integration as a Durable Solution: A Study of Congolese Refugees in Johannesburg
Thesis abstract: This is a study of local integration of Congolese refugees from The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) living in Johannesburg.
Thesis title:The "right to have rights": citizenship, legal identity and political community in Johannesburg
Thesis abstract: The objective of this study is to identify the factors that enable “the right to have rights” in the South African political community, as well as to understand the way that community members perceive
Thesis title: Teachers' perceptions of non-nationals in Durban schools: negotiating past and present ideologies
Thesis abstract: This study investigated teachers’ perceptions of non-national students. It consisted of semi-structured one-hour interviews with fifty Durban teachers of non-nationals.
Jaki’s research explores the dynamics involved in transnationality with reference to formal and informal migrant associations and networking in Southern Africa. Forced immigrants live transnational lives when they are forced to live in countries other than their country of origin.
Email: Patrick.Odwora@wits.ac.za
Hilton Johnson has a background in pro-democracy work in Southern Africa, change management and issues relating to Internal displacement and demobilization/re-integration of ex-combatants in Colombia, Latin America specifically. His research will explore the impact and role of civic agency within the ambit of civil society structures in communities of internally displaced people.
Thesis title: Transnationalism and migrant organizations: an analysis of collective action in the Johannesburg/Pretoria area
Thesis abstract:The purpose of this dissertation is to analyze concepts of transnationalism and collective action in reference to migrant organizations in the Johannesburg/Pretoria area.
Thesis title:Language and livelihoods in Johannesburg: Cameroonians income generating strategies
Thesis abstract: This research investigates how language affects the livelihoods of migrants and their use of social networks for income generation in Johannesburg.
Thesis abstract: This is a study of the factors affecting policies decisions and practises regarding the provision of shelter for the most vulnerable migrants and refugees in urb
Lidia is currently working in government for the State Department's (foreign ministry) Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Thesis title: The Role of Islam in Conceptions of Entitlement to Protection and Assistance: A Case Study of Somali Refugees in Johannesburg
Thesis abstract: This research report looks at Somali refugees’ con
Thesis title:How do transnational networks facilitate the movement of Congolese migrants and refugees into Johannesburg?
Thesis abstract: The failure of the 1990 political transition in the Democratic Republic of Congo to deliver on promises of better living conditions for all Congolese and the diminishing job opportunities
Thesis title: The Importance of Social Networks for Sustaining Livelihoods: The Case of Former Mozambican Refugees in Bushbuckridge
Thesis abstract: This case study constitutes an example of how local social networks among refugees/immigrants communities and, between them and their hosts are fundamental in accessing differe
Thesis abstract: In Zimbabwe, interethnic relations led to animosities and divisions, between and among ethnic groups.
Thesis abstract: Migration and remittance studies have focused on the volume and impact of remittances in the migrant sending countries.
Nema has a BA Honours in Demography Studies from the University of Zambia. She is currently working for Chartis Insurance and manages quality assurance for all the Call Centre partners.
After graduation Kara worked as a UNHCR humanitarian aid intern in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She is now studying Law at NYU School of Law.
Thesis title: Barriers to protection: gender-related persecution and asylum in South Africa
Thesis abstract: In 1998, South Africa became the first country to explicitly state within its refugee law that genderrelated persecution is a binding basis for asylum, further distinguishing South Africa as a state with outstanding
Boipelo has extensive background and passion for community work which culminated in her being awarded the Round Square King Constantine Award for ‘self effacement in the common cause’ (2004). She graduated with a BA degree in International Studies and Communication (double major) from Monash University Malaysia.
Thesis title:Gender Social Networks and Income Generation Among Congolese Migrants in Johannesburg
Thesis abstract:A significant number of refugees and asylum seekers are living in urban areas in developing countries.
Tamlyn is a PhD student in Sociology within the Centre for the Study of Human Rights at the London School of Economics, where she focuses on historicising the politics of 'xenophobic' mobilisation in South Africa.
Tamlyn Monson worked for ACMS as a researcher for several years, examining issues of non-state authority and territorial control in areas affected by ‘xenophobic’ attacks.
Thesis abstract: South Africa is home to a wide range of cross border migrants and the provision of healthcare to this
Pascalia is currently completing her PhD in the School of Public Health and has been employed as a researcher at Wits Centre for Health Policy since 2007.
Thesis abstra
Thesis abstract: This research report examines the relationship between legal status and national identity formation.
Vedaste holds an Hons degree in Public Administration from the Université Nationale du Rwanda and a Master’s degree in Forced Migration Studies from the Wits University. His primary research area is religion and migration with a focus on the role of the church in the integration of migrants.
Katharina is currently Program Specialist an the Women’s Refugee Commission, Washington, D.C. In this position, Katharina Obser the WRC's research and advocacy efforts and its Detention and Asylum program.
Elsa Oliveira completed her Master’s Degree in Forced Migration Studies at the African Centre for Migration and Society in 2011. Her MA research study on migrant women who sell sex in inner city Johannesburg explored the impacts of urban space on self-representation.
Thesis abstract: This study seeks to understand how the general assumptions, perceptions, and representations of Nigerian immigrants shape marriages between Nigerian me
Nedson is currently working as a Research Specialist at Africa Institute of South Africa.
Thesis Title:Healthy migrants or health migrants?
Thesis Title: Access to Health Care Among Somali Forced Migrants in Johannesburg
Thesis Abstract: To identify and investigate barriers faced by Somali forced migrants when accessing health care in Johannesburg.
Thesis title:Gender, choice and migration: household dynamics and urbanisation in Mozambique
Thesis abstract: Very little empirical research has been done on migration in Mozambique and the existing material emphasizes labour migration.
Kathryn is a PhD student at in Anthropology at Stanford University this September, focusing on migration in Southern Africa.
Kathryn did her undergrad at Yale University, where she double majored in Anthropology and African Studies. Her primary research interests are in the relationship between individuals and the state, and with that, documentation, membership, power.
Thesis title: Negotiating movement: everyday immigration policing in Johannesburg
Thesis abstract: Volumes of cross-border migration into South Africa have substantially increased in recent years, and so have state efforts to regulate them.
Celestin has an Honours Degree in International Relations from the University of Lubumbashi. His research will focus on a comparative study on "professional Experiences of Congolese and Zimbabwean Migrant Workers in the private sector in Johannesburg, the case study of Shoprite Centurion Distribution Centre.
Brittany Wheeler has a multi-disciplinary background and an active interest in the museum, migration and public health sectors. Ms.
Richard is currently working as Senior Teacher Adviser for SABIS Educational Services (UAE). In August he will begin his role as Principal at DiPont Education (China).
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