Child-led Research - Laos

We conducted our research in four schools across four villages in Sam Neua District, Houaphanh Province, using the KOBO Toolbox to collect data through a questionnaire that has 18 questions. Although we used an online survey tool, our data collection method was hybrid. We conducted the survey in person to address challenges like limited internet access and the lack of mobile phones in some schools. Most importantly, we wanted to ensure that respondents clearly understood our questions so they could accurately share their thoughts with us. For participants without mobile phones, we provided paper-based questionnaires and then entered their responses using the researchers’ phones. In some cases, if time allowed, we did this in front of the participants. In other cases, we completed it after the session to save time. 

We specifically conducted a one-day event in each school and this event included an introduction to child-led research, our research topic and objectives, followed by an explanation of the consent form to ensure participants fully understood and agreed to voluntarily take part in our study. We took extra care with privacy by asking participants during registration if they wanted to be photographed or not. Those who said “No” were given a sticker to indicate their preference. Fortunately, very few declined. The survey took around 30-60 minutes, depending on the age of the respondents—the younger they were, the longer it took. We made sure to spend as much time as needed to get quality answers from respondents. Afterwards, we held a knowledge-sharing session where participants could express their feelings and share what they learned. We also included ice-breakers, energizing games and small gifts (WVIL books and t-shirts) between sessions to keep the participants engaged. 

To make the most of our time and to show appreciation for the participants spending their day with us, we organized a one-hour panel discussion on how to win an international scholarship. Our mentor, Thepthida, shared her tips on securing scholarships, and Seesavanh, the child-researchers’ team lead, shared his experience in the YMC. 

The entire data collection process took four days, from August 21-24, 2024. 

After closing the questionnaire, we reviewed the responses in the KOBO Toolbox, which automatically organized the raw data. To ensure accuracy, we sought help from the WV Laos M&E team and our mentor, who guided us in organizing the responses by location, gender, age, and other important details. The success of our activities was largely due to the active participation of the children and the valuable support from our adult mentors.