ILIMA

ILIMA is an isiXhosa expression used when one seeks the help of the community to plough their fields with no intention to remunerate but pay in kind. The community comes together and assists until the work is done, knowing that they will call on the same favour at a later stage. In this context, Ilima Research & Services (ILIMA) use the same concept, by bringing together communities and different stakeholders for a common goal of uplifting each other. Moreover, at more advance level the prime purpose of ploughing is to turn over the uppermost soil, bringing fresh nutrients to the surface while burying weeds and crop remains to decay. This explains the expected outcome from our research and services.

MISSION

ILIMA aims to contribute positively to the improvement of education and public health sectors in South Africa and beyond. Our aim is to work together with professionals, community members, and all relevant stakeholders in both sectors. ILIMA aims to do this by using evidence-based research.

VISION

Our vision is to,

• Capacitate and empower teachers and health professionals with strategies and skills to improve their practice.
• Conduct programme evaluations to inform programme implementation for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
• See all children with access to quality teaching, learning and exposure to 21^st Century skills.

OUR RESEARCH TEAM

Educationists with extensive experience in all spheres of education (primary, secondary and tertiary). They have experience in project management in educational projects like the EGRS (Early Grade Reading Study), GPLMS (Gauteng Primary Language and Mathematics Strategy), AASA (Anglo-American South Africa) Education Programme and PSRIP (Primary School Reading Improvement Programme) and this experience has afforded them the opportunity to see what works and what doesn’t work in the education system.

Researchers with experience in epidemiology/ statistics, agriculture and financial markets. They have been involved in leading and overseeing projects with national, regional and international scientists from the African Union (AU), World Organization for Animal Health (former OIE), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and international training and funding institutions.