My name is Hilde van Vlaenderen and I have recently joined the xmca.
I would to briefly introduce myself. I am a registered research
psychologist with particular interests in qualitative and
participatory research methodology; community development and
everyday cognition. I have recently submitted my doctoral thesis
which dealt with indigenous group problem solving strategies of South
African young community activists. The thesis involved the
development of a methodology appropriate for the study of everyday
cognition. For the last 7 years (up to end 1996) I lectured at Rhodes
university (South Africa). I gave courses on research methodology and
on Psychology in an African context. Besides my academic work I was
also involved in NGO work and consultancy work on participatory
community development. Currently I am residing in Tanzania for a
three year period. Since I have submitted my thesis I have been
writing up papers on my Phd topic and am getting involved in
consultancy work on community development. My aim is to combine
writing papers, doing some research on indigenous knowledge and doing
consultancy work for the coming two years. Possible collaborative
research would be very welcome
Hilde Van Vlaenderen