About

These ideas have been submitted to the UCT Knowledge Co-op; they are available to students at UCT who may choose them for their research topics towards a degree.

They are listed in the following categories:

N.B. Projects often do fit in more than one category and so may be listed more than once.

Project Name

Project Description

Category 1: Education
# 505. Where to provide educational support? Compare benefits and disadvantages of placing disadvantaged learners in Model C schools vs providing educational support programmes to them in their home communities. Taking a child out of the township brings about a shift – is that positive?  
# 506. Level of intervention to improve school outcomes How much contact time is needed for underperforming learners to succeed in school? What outcomes can be expected from different levels of support - holiday programme vs after school support vs full-time placement in a functional school?
# 507. Successful school phase transition National annual assessment show that outcomes of learners receiving support improve in foundation phase, but drop in later phases. What is needed to maintain the improvement throughout all phases of schooling?

# 510. Socio-economics of learners

Sketch the socio-economic reality of high school learners in Langa. 40% of learners are from other townships.
# 512. Psycho-social support by NGOs Evaluate the need for psychosocial support provided by NGOs in Langa. Consider the need in the community, the current offering by government and the gap (if any) for NGOs to fulfil.
# 576. Youth substance use intervention Assess the impact of the Icelandic family/school-based 'Planet youth' approach to address youth alcohol abuse in a rural community (George).
# 578. Children's relationship with the ocean What are the potential longer-term impacts an extra-curricular Environmental Education program in Cape Town, can have on children's knowledge about, behaviour towards and relationship with the ocean? What has to be in place for this to be realised?
# 595. Assess educational support programmes Evaluate the structure and processes of the after-school or the in-school offering of a primary school-based education support programme. 
# 606. Emotional learning Document how emotional learning enhances the academic success of learners.
# 607. Mental stability for learning success Study the importance of mental stability in the classroom; case study of enhancing tools and skill for emotional and social-emotional learning.
# 628. After school interventions for vulnerable children. What impact does participation in afternoon clubs and holiday clubs have for vulnerable children 4-17 years of age? Consider e.g. educational performance, personal development
# 638. Developing a children’s environment programme Document the development of the Environment Programme of a children's rights movement and its value for the members of the movement.
# 639. Impact of a children’s environment programme Assess the impact of an Environment Programme on the members of the Children's Movement and their surroundings; and the change in their attitudes and behaviour towards nature/the environment. 
# 664. Global citizenship course for schools Develop a tool for teaching global citizenship principles for grade 9-12 learners as a way to reduce bias (gender, foreigners) and stereotyping. Include a short experiential learning course, pre- and post-test to assess bias, possible interventions, creative methodology.
# 665. Use of gamification to retain at-risk learners Explore the potential of incorporating gamification (preferably non-tech) in a programme for at-risk secondary school learners in Langa to increase retention and attendance. E.g. a development plan for the learner with playful ‘earning’ of points in order to advance through levels; competition.
# 667. Impact of metacognition-focused lessons Study of learner’s current learning techniques and the potential positive impact of metacognition-focused lessons on their ability to learn.
# 668. Test to track 2nd language English speakers intellectual and emotional progress Develop baseline tests in isiXhosa for tracking intellectual and emotional performance of secondary school learners attending English medium schools, but have a different home language. Focus on specifics, e.g. extent of home language vocabulary; compare different quintile schools.
   
# 670. Parents’ engagement with school learning processes Examine the extent to which parents engage with and understand their child’s learning processes at a secondary school in Langa. Identify reasons for the parents’ poor engagement and recommendations to better address this.
# 676. Literacy interventions impact study Assess the impact of Nal’ibali literacy interventions on literacy behaviours: training, mentoring, resource distribution, mass media, literacy campaigns. What happens after a participant engages with Nal’ibali?
# 677. Literacy sector gap analysis Map the literacy landscape in South Africa. Who are the key players, what do they bring to the sector? Where do we have service delivery overlap and where are their gaps?
# 687. Impact of Drowning prevention module A mixed methods study evaluating the WaterSmart programme currently implemented by Lifesaving South Africa in South African schools.
   
# 742. Skills of ECD providers Map the experience, qualifications and resources of persons providing Early Childhood Development (ECD) services in the Far South of the Cape Peninsula. Determine the gaps in terms of skillsets, training, and resources needed to upskill these service providers.
# 752. Defining regenerative culture. What role does art and music, ritual and ceremony, story and mythology, and education and awareness play in shaping cultural norms? How can we use this insight to shift unsustainable cultural practices towards those that can regenerate the ecosystems they inhabit and support the wellbeing of present and future generations?
   
# 782. Transition from ECD to primary schools Assessing the transition pathway of children from Masicorp Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres to Primary Schools with English as the medium of instruction. To determine the need and success of teaching in English
# 799. Bursary program effectiveness in different regions Investigate the effectiveness of bursary programs in different regions of South Africa, considering factors such as rural vs. urban areas, cultural diversity, and economic disparities.
# 800. Equity and inclusion in bursary allocation Examine how high school bursary providers address issues of equity and inclusion in their allocation processes, focusing on strategies to reach marginalized and underrepresented communities.
# 805. Enhance STEM education Investigate and propose effective strategies that can be employed to sustain and enhance the interest of adolescent girls’ interest in STEM education.
# 806. Enrolment & throughput rates of females in engineering Examine and understand the multifaceted reasons behind the underrepresentation of females in the field of engineering, both in terms of enrolment and graduate rates.
   

Category 2: Community Development/Social Development
# 163.1 Substance use rehabilitation Follow-up evaluation of the impact of an out-patient substance abuse programme on client lives one to three years after exiting the programme.
# 534. Resistance to Homeless shelters as a viable solution Identify effective transitional housing models and investigate the unmet support needs of the homeless population regarding shelter and services offered to them. When referring to ‘shelters working’ it is mostly in relation to it being seen as a warm welcoming space which encourages the individual to take the opportunity to move from the streets and begin a process of restoring dignity and hope in the future and improving their current life position.
# 538.1 Defining regenerative culture What role does art and music, ritual and ceremony, story and mythology, and education and awareness play in shaping cultural norms? How to use this insight to shift unsustainable cultural practices towards ones that can regenerate the ecosystems they inhabit and support the wellbeing of present and future generations?
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# 551. Responsible giving to the homeless Study of the “Give responsible” campaign. Giving to those begging vs supporting NPOs working toward them changing their lives: What is the solution and how best get public buy-in into that?
   
# 600. Social service needs in the South Peninsula Compile an overview of the social services in the 'Deep South' area; detail groups addressing these needs; identify gaps re currently unmet needs.  Focus on Education and/or Mental health and/or Employability programmes.
# 601. Socio-politics of ‘factory farming’ Document socio-political implications of ‘factory farming’. Consider aspects like Control over food supply & its impact on SA land reform targets; OR Energy consumption of the animal agriculture sector
# 637.  Social justice for the homeless Investigate the effect of lacking social justice in responses to the homeless population. Consider issues like policing, housing, substance use, employment or health. A punitive policing approach ‘recycles’ homeless persons through the justice system. What is it really fixing? What alternatives are there?
# 642. Assess the needs of refugees Conduct a needs assessment for female refugees and asylum seekers receiving (food) support from an agency. What other services do the need?
# 645. Assess a skills development programme Assess the skills taught in a skills development programme: how useful are they in enabling participants to find work / raise an income.
# 665. Use of gamification to retain at-risk learners Explore the potential of incorporating gamification (preferably non-tech) in a programme for at-risk secondary school learners in Langa to increase retention and attendance. E.g. a development plan for the learner with playful ‘earning’ of points in order to advance through levels; competition.
# 667. Impact of metacognition-focused lessons Study of learner’s current learning techniques and the potential positive impact of metacognition-focused lessons on their ability to learn.
# 697. Involvement in communal food gardens How to motivate secondary school learners in informal settlements to get involved in communal food gardens. Consider the context in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay and good practice examples in the literature.
# 709. Evaluation of Peer Support programme for homeless persons Evaluate a full-time rehabilitative jobs programme for homeless people led by trained peers with lived experience of homelessness and substance use issues. Map the Peers’ experience of providing support and how beneficiaries experience the project. leaders.

# 714. Nutrition choices and dietary support  for social pensioners

 What choices do pensioners make regarding food purchases with their limited budget? What would motivate them to make choices for meals that are more nourishing? Consider cultural differences between Woodstock and Khayelitsha.
# 722. From Homelessness to  housing: impact on problematic substance use Evaluate the impact of the first South African ‘housing first’ programme offering low barrier accommodation for chronic homeless individuals, focusing on how it impacts substance use.
# 723. Users' experience of a questionnaire on substance use Evaluate how homeless clients experience the quarterly Substance Use reflective 1-1 questionnaire sessions in terms of developing better reflection and coping skills as well as support for clients.
# 726. Need for a drop-in centre for the homeless Conduct a needs assessment for services to be offered by a drop-in centre (DIC) for homeless clients in the Cape Town CBD. Which services would be beneficial to the clients and why? Identify gaps in the current DIC model. Gauge views of business owners in the CBD and their potential support for a DIC.
# 728. Transitional housing versus shelter model Determine the effectiveness of transitional housing programmes for homeless clients in comparison to the current shelter model. Consider the mental health and substance use challenges, costs, benefits, employment to contribute to rentals and ability to adopt a holistic approach.
# 729. Placement for Social Work students Placement for Social Work students.
   
# 734. Do safe sleeping spaces work? Does the safe sleeping space model in Cape Town as currently designed actually help people to leave the streets long term? Contrast existing "safe spaces" with those who continue living on the street.
# 735. Investigate a housing-first approach to homelessness for South Africa What are the pros & cons of this approach? What is required for this to be a workable model? Could it create the unintended incentive to move onto the street with so many stuck for years in waiting lists for housing?
# 736. A reliable count of the number of street-based homeless people Based on international best practice on how to count homeless people, develop an approach to do so in Cape Town. (Numbers for homelessness range from 6,000 to 14,000.)
# 745. Skills development for jobs The Impact of the Mobile Career Café on increased employability and job readiness of youth in underserved areas (rural and semi-rural)
# 747. Impact of community kitchens on sustainable self-reliance Evaluate the impact of the Cooking Mammas Programme in the Masiphumelele area, Cape Peninsula. What is the impact of the programme on the lives of the women managing the community kitchens?
# 761.  Decolonisation of Counselling Support Services Explore a decolonised approach to supporting survivors of GBV who access a psycho-social support programme. Identify the languages that should be used to inform culturally diverse clients who access counselling support services especially originating from the Cape Flats townships. 
# 762.  Women accessing shelter services Understanding women from peri-urban and rural contexts of the Western Cape and how they access MOSAIC shelter services located in Atlantis and Worcester. What are the barriers to accessing services? What are the contextual conditions that makes these women not report and/or help seek and use services that are easily accessible to them to change their situations?
# 802. Exploring the Dynamics of Youth Employment An investigation into the factors Influencing unemployment and job instability amongst youth and identifying opportunities for sustainable employment.
# 809. Collaboration Barriers Among Non-Profit Organisations What are the primary barriers that hinder collaboration between different non-profit organisations operating within the same sector of urban greening and sustainability, and how can these obstacles be overcome to foster more effective cooperation and synergy?
# 819. Transforming the GBV narrative Strategies for actively engaging men in community restoration and hope building.
# 820. Housing solutions for homelessness in SA Explore the different housing models solutions available in SA, especially for the homeless and rehabilitated beneficiaries who do not earn market related salaries.  The study to include how mental health and social classes exists within any housing model.  i.e., shelters with beneficiaries at different mental health/social levels. To include the negative/ positive impact it has on beneficiaries staying in a shelter. 
# 821. Impact of MOSAIC interventions Exploring the impact of MOSAIC interventions on domestic and intimate partner violence: A comparative analysis in South Africa and other African countries.
# 822. Advocacy strategies for GBV Advocacy strategies in addressing gender-based violence: a case study of MOSAIC programmes and policy influence in South Africa.
# 823. Critical assessment Policy frameworks and implementation challenges: a critical assessment of MOSAIC's role in shaping GBV policies in South Africa.
# 824. Assessing cultural relevance Community perceptions of MOSAIC: Assessing the efficacy and cultural relevance of interventions in combatting domestic violence in South Africa and beyond.
# 825. Intersectionality in GBV Examining MOSAIC's approach to addressing diverse forms of violence in South Africa.
# 826. Impact of MOSAIC programmes Long-term impact of MOSAIC Programmes on breaking the cycle of intergenerational gender-based violence: a prospective study in South Africa.
# 827. Technology to support GBV The role of technology in MOSAIC's ecosystem: enhancing advocacy and support for victims of GBV in Africa.
# 829. Cultural dynamics Influence of cultural dynamics on MOSAIC's effectiveness: a case study of GBV interventions tailored to diverse African societies.
# 833. Transforming the GBV narrative Strategies for actively engaging men in community restoration and hope building.
# 835. A twenty-year critical evaluation Conduct a critical analysis spanning two decades to assess the sustained impact of Ikamva Youth. To provide insights into the long-term effectiveness and evolution of the organisation's programmes. 
# 837. Effective communication in afterschool programmes Examine the role and impact of external communication strategies on the success of Ikamva Youth's afterschool programs. To identify communication practices that contribute to programme effectiveness and community engagement.
   
# 843. Breaking menstrual stigma and gender norms Studying how stigma and gender norms influence social support and attitudes towards menstruation.
   
# 846. Housing first impact on substance use To examine the relationship between transitioning from street living to housing and the impact on  substance use and mental health      Housing first is a recovery oriented low entry barrier housing programme. Streetscapes runs 3 facilities for our chronic homeless clients moving off the streets (more than 5 years of homelessness). We collect different types of data from Streetscapes service clients moving into our houses. We have intake questionnaires before moving focusing on reasons for moving, expectations and concerns. These are followed up 6 monthly. We also have monthly housing surveys for clients to give feedback on 13 different aspects of living in our facilities. Quarterly clients give information about their substance use: what they use, frequency of using and volumes. Quarterly anxiety and depression screening.
# 847. Peer outreach services evaluation Assessing the effectiveness  of homeless services: A data-driven evaluation of a peer outreach team in the CBD Area.
   

Category 3: Economics / Commerce

# 510. Socio-economics of learners

Sketch the socio-economic reality of high school learners in Langa. 40% of learners are from other townships.
# 573. Opportunities and challenges of informal trading / micro-enterprises for income What proportion of the unemployed in Cape Town who have tried informal work? Why did they stop? What barriers are there to making it more profitable? What type is considered appealing or not? 
# 666. Impact of educational outcomes on earning potential Quantify the impact metrics of selected educational outcomes of a secondary school-based Youth development programme on the economic potential of its beneficiaries.
# 673. Perceived value of Shark Spotters programme to beach-goers Explore public perceptions of the value of the Shark Spotters programme and its activities to its beneficiaries, including monetary (willingness-to-pay) and non-monetary (cognitive attachment and connectedness to program and its objectives)
# 695. Economics of exporting live farmed animals Cost-benefit analysis of the expanding trade in the live export of farmed animals for slaughter: benefits to the SA economy vs loss of local jobs and investment in domestic beneficiation chains
# 700. What vegetables to grow? Consider input costs and efforts vs yield as well as the nutritional value of produce to develop a list of ideal vegetables to grow in communal food gardens in Hout Bay.
# 790. Impact of socioeconomic factors on entrepreneurial success Investigate how socioeconomic factors such as race, gender, education, and access to resources influence the success and growth of entrepreneurs in South Africa. This research could shed light on disparities and provide insights into promoting inclusive entrepreneurship.
# 791. Informal sector entrepreneurship Explore the dynamics of informal sector entrepreneurship in South Africa, considering its contribution to the economy, challenges faced, and potential avenues for formalization and growth.
# 792. Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Investing Investigate the growth of social entrepreneurship and impact investing in South Africa, analyzing how these models contribute to addressing social and environmental challenges while generating financial returns.
# 793. Cultural and traditional entrepreneurship Investigate the role of cultural heritage and traditional practices in shaping entrepreneurial activities in South Africa and explore how these factors can be leveraged for economic development.
# 794. Fostering an ecosystem for high-growth businesses in South Africa Explore the strategies required to transform South Africa into a hub for high-growth businesses and create a viable, sustainable ecosystem for the birth of unicorn companies.
# 795. Role of incubators and accelerators Investigate the effectiveness of incubators and accelerators in South Africa in nurturing startups. Assess their impact on business growth, innovation, and sustainability, and identify best practices for maximizing their value.
# 796. University-industry collaboration (student entrepreneurship) Explore the extent of collaboration between universities and industries in South Africa's entrepreneurship ecosystem. Examine how academic institutions contribute to startup creation, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
# 797. Entrepreneurial education and training Evaluate the effectiveness of entrepreneurial education and training programs in South Africa. Examine how these programs equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge.
 # 801. Unraveling the factors driving high growth businesses in South Africa Conduct a Comprehensive Analysis that delves into the intricate dynamics that underpin the success of high-growth businesses, identify key contributing factors, and assess their implications for the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
# 815. Understanding pay points for Langa consumers Pricing is complex in low-income markets. A local NPC would like to understand what pricing models will be optimal for textile products, coffee, and business support services in the Langa community.
# 816. Advancement of entrepreneurship in Langa community Anecdotal evidence shows that in comparison to other townships, Langa businesses have not received support. The study to provide a better understanding of what type of business support is relevant for these entrepreneurs and to unpack their operational challenges.

Category 4: Orphans/ (vulnerable) children/ parenting
# 161.2 Evaluate "First 1000 Days" programme Assess the First 1000 days programme run by Living Hope” – measure the impact of the programme via health outcomes of the babies of participating mothers.
# 364.1. Training for behaviour change

Randomised control longitudinal study to measure the impact of training programme & sustainability of behaviour change of teenage parents.       

# 459. TB in families

Sketch the social impact of TB-infected mothers (esp DRTB) on families, children.
# 467.1. Assess programme to enhance mother-infant relationships Study the impact of a Home Visitation programme on mother-infant relationships within the first 1000 days. Consider the antenatal support, grief and loss support or post-natal support offered.
# 471. Materials for home-based ECD Study the impact of a Home Visitation programme on mother-infant relationships within the first 1000 days. Consider the antenatal support, grief and loss support or post-natal support offered.
# 532. Dynamics of youth homelessness Explore what factors push and pull youth to live on the street? Include generational cycles, and address challenges in placement of children and community-based programmes for them.
# 576. Youth substance use intervention Assess the impact of the Icelandic family/school-based Planet youth' approach to address youth alcohol abuse in a rural community (George).
# 605. Assess counselling for parents Evaluate a short-term counselling service on parenting challenges. The focus is on care-givers; occasionally teenage children are included.
# 627. Early intervention for boys using substances Evaluate the impact of an Early intervention on the use of substances for vulnerable children. The programme was piloted in 2019  Its focus is on 9-11-year-old boys who tested positive to  drugs at some stage but not yet addicted, and their parents and school. The study could work with the parents or caregivers.  
# 643. Refugee Orphans' needs and coping A qualitative study of refugee orphans: what are their coping mechanisms, what support do they need?
# 670. Parents’ engagement with school learning processes Examine the extent to which parents engage with and understand their child’s learning processes at a secondary school in Langa. Identify reasons for the parents’ poor engagement and recommendations to better address this.
# 679. Training for fatherhood behaviour change Measure impact of the Fatherhood Training Programme on the fathering/parenting behaviour of participants. Include the voices of children regarding resulting changes they observe in their fathers’ parenting style. Randomised Control Trial study.
# 680. Training for parenting behaviour change Measure impact of the Positive Parenting Skills Training Programme on the parenting behaviour of participants. Include the voices of children regarding resulting changes they observe in their parents’ parenting style. Randomised Control Trial study.
# 727. Protection of youth exploited to beg for an income Youth are often exploited by their parents or adults to source an income by begging. How can this be addressed? What protection is there for these youth?

Category 5: Health / Public health
# 163.1 Substance use rehabilitation Follow-up evaluation of the impact of an out-patient substance abuse programme on client lives one to three years after exiting the programme.

# 459. TB in families

Sketch the social impact of TB-infected mothers (esp DRTB) on families, children.

# 489. Evaluate health awareness campaign

 Evaluate a key health awareness campaign, project or CANSA services through a  Survey/ focus groups/ open to how the student would proceed with an evaluation. 
# 498. Placement for OT students Placement for Occupational Therapy students in a programme supporting homeless persons.
# 504. Role of Nutrition in schooling Conduct a literature review on evidence that providing food to children in Primary school supports their learning. What difference does it make to teaching experience and academic development? What foods are most important to include?
# 561. Vaccine hesitancy Explore the concept of vaccine hesitancy and the extent to which it is a barrier for HPV vaccination in South Africa. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
# 565. Waste Management on egg farms Identify the poultry waste materials produced by commercial egg layer farms, especially pollutants contained in the litter and their disposal procedures.  http://www.ggfjournals.com/assets/uploads/34-37.pdf
# 579. Pro-environmental behaviours within and between Cape Town communities What pro-environmental behaviours are currently present in Cape Town communities? How do these differ across neighbourhoods and social strata in Cape Town? What are the motivations for adopting these behaviours?
# 623. Medicine assisted therapies for substance use disorder Assess the impact and/or affordability of medicine assisted therapy for people who smoke or use alcohol or drugs problematically.
# 626. Mental health in pregnancy Evaluate the impact of early mental health interventions with pregnant women through a crisis pregnancy counsellor. Consider: coping with depression and suicidal ideation, prevent harming their babies physically/emotionally.
# 646. Substance use and refugees Establish particular triggers for substance use among refugees, the interventions required to address their needs and barriers to access support.
# 661. Distributing Menstrual cups Track what method of distribution/introduction of Menstrual cups works best for specific locations of indigent communities in the Western Cape.
# 662. Mcups as sex education entry point Establish whether the introduction of Menstrual cups can be a useful way into sex education in schools.
# 700. What vegetables to grow? Consider input costs and efforts vs yield as well as nutritional value of produce to develop a list of ideal vegetables to grow in communal food gardens in Hout Bay.
# 702. Clean-up waste dumping sites Identify suitable clean-up processes for areas in informal settlements degraded by waste left there over time. Case study: Hout Bay open area between Penzance and Imizamo Yethu  informal settlement.

# 714. Nutrition choices and dietary support for social pensioners

 What choices do pensioners make regarding food purchases with their limited budget? What would motivate them to make choices for meals that are more nourishing? Consider cultural differences between Woodstock and Khayelitsha.
# 725. Adolescents and youth living with cancer Psychosocial and health service needs of adolescents and youth with cancer.
# 741. Ethnic diversity in mental health counselling Investigate how different ethnic and cultural groups view mental healthcare counselling. Identify language used to inform a healthcare counselling programme for the culturally diverse Cape Peninsula.
# 743. App to assess mental healthcare Develop a quantitative statistical data collection prototype/application to measure the effectiveness of a mental healthcare programme over time. The application will need to capture exposure to stressors, usage of treatment options, and the resultant quality of life.
# 746. Mcup recipients views on usage Study of recipients of Mcups: do they use it/not? What are the factors that deter usage of Mcups? How do girls and women feel about using it? Do they want to talk about it?
# 818. Impact of disability on families An in-depth analysis of the challenges faced by caregivers, emotional and financial strain, and required support structures.
   
# 846. Housing first impact on substance use To examine the relationship between transitioning from street living to housing and the impact on  substance use and mental health      Housing first is a recovery oriented low entry barrier housing programme. Streetscapes runs 3 facilities for our chronic homeless clients moving off the streets (more than 5 years of homelessness). We collect different types of data from Streetscapes service clients moving into our houses. We have intake questionnaires before moving focusing on reasons for moving, expectations and concerns. These are followed up 6 monthly. We also have monthly housing surveys for clients to give feedback on 13 different aspects of living in our facilities. Quarterly clients give information about their substance use: what they use, frequency of using and volumes. Quarterly anxiety and depression screening.
 #865. Determinants for help-seeking behaviour

Exploring determinants of help-seeking behaviour for mental health services among the 18-35 age group. implications for tailored marketing and programmatic strategies in the expansion of The Counselling Hub (TCH) activities across South Africa.
#866. Factors influencing volunteering Analysing factors influencing volunteering at The Counselling Hub (THC) towards enhancing volunteer retention and engagement.
#867. Impact of volunteering on professional development Exploring the professional development impact of the role of volunteering with The Counseling Hub in enhancing students' skills and knowledge in the mental health field.
#868. Post-covid preferences Investigating the motivations behind clients' preference for remote (online) counselling versus face-to-face sessions at The Counselling Hub.
#869. Choosing the Counselling Hub

A comparative analysis of factors influencing clients' selection of TCH over other mental health service providers.
#870. Chronic disease management Examining community engagement strategies and processes to enhance screening, prevention, and education in chronic disease management for improved healthcare outcomes at the individual patient level.

Category 6: Information Systems / IT
# 538.1  Defining regenerative culture What role does art and music, ritual and ceremony, story and mythology, and education and awareness play in shaping cultural norms? How to use this insight to shift unsustainable cultural practices towards ones that can regenerate the ecosystems they inhabit and support the wellbeing of present and future generations?
   
# 740. Build a social media app Social media application to be linked to iGen platform but built from scratch as opposed to using the existing platform.  The platform language is Javascript i.e. ReactJS using TypeScript (web app). React Native using TypeScript (If building standalone mobile app), NET 6 using C# (backend) and MongoDB (database).
   

Category 7: Science & Engineering
# 480. Indicators for climate resilience Identify suitable indicators for changes in resilience to climate change, self-sufficiency and wellbeing resulting from permaculture / the SEEDing Futures programme.
   
# 638. Developing a children’s environment programme Document the development of the Environment Programme of a children's rights movement and its value for the members of the movement. The programme promotes members taking on clean-ups, gardening, making and use of Wonder Bags, re-usable Sanitary Towels, etc. See  www.childrensmovement.org.za.
# 639. Impact of a children’s environment programme Assess the impact of an Environment Programme on the members of the Children's Movement and their surroundings; and the change in their attitudes and behaviour towards nature/the environment
# 683. “Pedestrianising” a busy Obs road Assess the impact of “pedestrianising” (permanently or periodically) a section of Lower Main Road (LMR) Observatory on businesses, social life, and surrounding roads that will carry diverted traffic. Determine positive and negative spin offs.
# 690. Improved traffic flow from Obs Assess the potential impact of two proposals (OCA vs COCT) for improving traffic flow out of Observatory on Main Road and Liesbeek Parkway. 
# 692. Impacts of forest restoration What are the impacts of forest restoration activities on any of these: biodiversity, soil, water, forest ecology and/or or carbon sequestration
# 699. Encourage responsible water use Identify strategies to encourage responsible water use in communal food gardens; and ways to source water for these in the dry season (context in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay).
# 720. Conversion to pedestrian only space in Obs Explore the feasibility of turning a stretch of Lower Main Road, Observatory, near to the retailers / restaurants / bars into a pedestrian only space for parts of the week. Traffic impact studies to be planned and discussions to take place with stakeholders promoting this intervention based on experience of recent street closures.
# 748. Spatial analysis of forest loss in the Eastern Cape. Where has indigenous forest loss occurred, and hence, where is forest restoration needed?
# 749. Spatial analysis of invasive tree stands in the Eastern Cape. Where have invasive tree stands established in previously open areas adjacent to forests and how does this impact the process of forest naturalisation? How does natural regeneration vary across different invasive stands and over time? What determines the composition and spatial patterns of natural regeneration under these invasive stands? What should restoration activities aim to achieve in such invasive stands to optimally facilitate forest regeneration?
# 753. Genetic diversity of milkwood trees. Investigate the genetic diversity of milkwoods within the Platbos Forest Reserve, as the only propagation observable is asexual.
# 758. Sustainable use of wildlife Does the doctrine of sustainable use still provide a coherent basis for a national biodiversity conservation strategy, especially in light of the deepening crises of climate change, income and wealth inequality, and the accelerating destruction of biodiversity.
# 808. Impacts of Greenpop’s urban greening projects What are the impacts of Greenpop’s urban greening projects on ecosystem service provision such as urban biodiversity, mental wellbeing, carbon sequestration, and mitigation of the urban heat island effect?
# 810. Optimising Plant Selection for Urban Greening in Cape Town Which indigenous plant and tree species exhibit the highest resilience in urban settings (also taking into account PSHB), and how can this knowledge inform future plant selections for urban greening projects?
# 830. Mapping exercise of poultry farms and impact Mapping the largest poultry farms in South Africa and studying their impact on surrounding area on environment and communities. Consider production waste and/or air & water pollution. Monitoring the air & water pollution of these production areas; possibly the water run-off problem experienced by communities near a new commercial poultry farm in Tulbagh.
   

Category 8: Other

# 511. Establishing a law clinic

What barriers do residents of Langa experience in access to legal advice? What specific legal needs are most common?
# 566. Faith responses to our food systems Explore how faith communities deal with the ethical, moral, environmental-social-economic issues arising through industrial agriculture and impacting our food systems.
# 572. How do movements of/for the unemployed arise? What contexts and conditions give rise to movements of/for the unemployed? Consider political, social, economic, historical contexts?
# 573. Opportunities and challenges of informal trading / micro-enterprises for income What proportion of the unemployed in Cape Town who have tried informal work. Why did they stop? What barriers to making it more profitable? What type is considered appealing or not? 
# 578. School children's relationship with the ocean What are the potential longer-term impacts an extra-curricular Environmental Education program in Cape Town can have on children's knowledge about, behaviour towards and relationship with the ocean?What has to be in place for this to be realised?
# 601.  Socio-politics of ‘factory farming’ Document socio-political implications of ‘factory farming’. Consider aspects like Control over food supply & its impact on SA land reform targets; OR Energy consumption of the animal agriculture sector
# 604. In/humane farming methods Compile evidence on how factory farming compromises the welfare of farmed animals in Southern Africa.
# 673. Perceived value of Shark Spotters programme to beach-goers Explore public perceptions of the value of the Shark Spotters programme and its activities to its beneficiaries, including monetary (willingness-to-pay) and non-monetary (cognitive attachment and connectedness to program and its objectives).
# 698. Including vegetables in the diet Identify reasons for the reluctance of residents in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, to include vegetables in the diet and suggest ways to overcome this.
# 703. Impact of the alien clearing Assess the impact of the alien clearing efforts on the slopes around Hout Bay since 2015, in terms of the recovery of the indigenous vegetation.
# 704. Is alien clearing approach effective? Determine how effective the method & chemicals used by Alien clearing teams around Hout Bay have been, considering the extent of recurrence of alien plants.
# 731. Media representations of the Liesbeek Action Campaign Analyse how the media have portrayed the Liesbeek Action campaign against the River Club Development and responses to the court action since January 2021. Who is getting media space and what narratives are being presented?
# 733. Develop content and design for potential World Heritage Site Develop appropriate content for interpretation boards for a potential World Heritage Park/site or as part of the National Liberation Route and design their structure. Focus area: Liesbeek River, Observatory, politics of development there and the role of the Observatory Civic Association and Liesbeek Action Campaign in this.
# 737. A database on homelessness aligned with the POPI act What would it take to develop a citywide database on homelessness? How would this work within the POPI act? How have other cities done this successfully and legally?
#770. Reassessing approach to measure impact of Astronomy on mental health  

To conduct pilot randomized controlled trial with standardized well-being measures in South Africa 
#772. Impact on learners' career choices  To determine whether the Young Biologist (YBs) Course of the Two Oceans Aquarium since 2004, have impacted learners career choices and behaviours. 
   
# 786. Heritage inventory Assemble a heritage inventory of heritage resources in the suburb. The City of Cape Town has a listing but there are inaccuracies, and the listing is not user friendly. An updated listing that is accessible to the Obs community on Obs Civic Association website would be helpful. Making the City’s survey more accessible to residents would be a great bonus for the community.
# 788. Completion of Heritage WC applications In 2022, the OCA nominated 7 sites to Heritage Western Cape for consideration as Provincial Heritage Resources. These include (1) the former Pass Offices in Fir St; (2) the former NUSAS Offices in Lower Main Rd; (3) the site of the Heidelberg Massacre in Station Road; (4) the Khanya College building; (5) the confluence of the Black and Liesbeek Rivers; (6) the Mowbray Muslim Cemetery in Browning Road; (7) the Coornhoop farm house in Dixton Road (currently the subject of a development application, actually). After nomination, we were asked by Heritage Western Cape for SG diagrams to support the application and further details. Require student support to complete these applications because of struggling to get the information.
# 789. Report on the nature of housing stock in Observatory (Airbnb; student housing) to guide heritage protection A report on the nature of housing stock in Observatory (whether Airbnb or student applications) similar to the one developed by the Woodstock Civic would be of great interest and very useful for the civic when engaging on development applications. It would strengthen our hand in protecting heritage resources in the area.     Years back, the City proposed amending its Municipal Planning Bylaws in ways that made Airbnb hires more flexible. The Woodstock Civic Association did a very impressive analysis of the impact of short- and longer-term Airbnb rentals on housing stock (and hence on community cohesion). In Observatory, we have seen many large apartments go up, claiming to be alleviating housing pressure in Cape Town but we know the occupation rates are low and many are bought as business venture to use as Airbnb by individuals or are used by the agents / developers to recoup their investments. Similarly, many developments are claimed to be for student housing but not all end up servicing students. For us, this is highly problematic.
# 798. Ethical entrepreneurship and social responsibility (responsible entrepreneurship) Examine how South African entrepreneurs integrate ethical values and social responsibility into their business practices. Investigate the impact of socially conscious ventures on communities and sustainable development.
# 807. Exploring the value of heritage trees What are the benefits of identifying and protecting heritage trees? What economic, social, cultural, etc. value do they provide? How does the focus on a heritage tree species differ from that of an individual champion tree? How does the location, urban vs rural, of the heritage tree(s) impact the value it can produce?
# 814. Literature review Provide literature on what South African and global social movements are doing around advocacy for decent housing. This work is to be aligned to what the Housing Assembly is trying to do. Also create contact list of partners for future collaboration with Housing Assembly.
# 817. Programme Evaluation Multi-level evaluation to assess effectiveness of Just Grace programmes in achieving their objectives. Evaluate efficiency of programme implementation, measure impact of iniatives on wellbeing and socio-economic conditions of beneficiaries and identify SWOT analysis of activities.
# 828. Comparative analysis of MOSAIC & similar programmes To explore lessons learned and best practices for addressing domestic violence in Africa."
# 831. Ocean connection in Cape Town communities How does the extent of ocean connection vary within and between Cape Town communities? Is there a relationship between ocean connection and the perceived value of the ocean? What are the principal drivers of these?
# 834. Collaborative research paper Explore and document the successful strategies and approaches employed by Ikamva Youth in their academic after-school programmes through a collaborative research paper.
# 836. Enhancing afterschool programmes Explore ways to enhance the monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes within Ikamva Youth's afterschool programmes. To have a comprehensive understanding of the programmes impact.

This table was updated in July 2024

If you are interested in taking up any of these suggestions please TALK TO US or submit a student form.