Individual Empowerment Research Articles

Geography Experiential Learning beyond the Classroom at the University for Natural Resource Management in Chris Hani West District, South Africa

This a journey through landscapes beyond the confines of textbooks. In this journey, future educators immerse themselves in the study of geography and become part of the dynamic rhythm of the natural world. This research explored the transformative realm of experiential learning outside the traditional classroom. Here, field trips, outdoor projects, and hands-on workshops serve as a vibrant backdrop for understanding sustainable natural resource management. This investigation focused on using geography-focused experiential learning in resource management within the Chris Hani West District of South Africa. As global environmental challenges escalate, the need for innovative educational approaches has become unprecedented. This study, guided by David Kolb’s experiential learning theory (ELT), adopted an interpretive research paradigm through a phenomenological lens. The purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed for participant recruitment, and one-on-one data collection provided deep insight into participants’ subjective experiences. Thematic analysis was used to present our findings. The results disclosed the potential of experiential learning to cultivate environmental stewardship and empower individuals as active contributors to resource conservation efforts. Importantly, the study highlights the necessity and value of internships and apprenticeships in this educational paradigm. It further investigated the critical role of experiential learning in geography education for effective natural resource management. Some recommendations suggested promoting activities like field trips, habitat restoration efforts, and simulations to provide student teachers with essential hands-on experience and skill-building opportunities. State the contribution of this study to scholarship. Keywords: Experiential Learning, Effectiveness, Geography, Natural Resource Management, Classroom Settings.

Improving Wellbeing Through Local Communities: A Mixed Methods Study on the Role of Relationship Building

Given the rising demands of chronic conditions and mental health challenges, there is an urgent need to reduce burden on formal, statutory services. Local communities are under-utilised yet offer many opportunities to facilitate the key determinants of health and wellbeing. Local Area Coordination (LAC) provides a practical, asset-based approach in which purposefully recruited coordinators meet and build relationships with community members, use their strengths and leverage community assets to help them build their version of ‘the good life’. Here we report on the impact of LAC on wellbeing outcomes and explore potential mechanisms underpinning the approach. A rigorous mixed-methods design was implemented including data from psychophysiological synchrony, a quantitative survey, and qualitative ripple effects mapping. The presence of in-phase cardiac synchrony was found during conversations between coordinators and community members, suggesting physiological attunement during interaction. Survey data analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling found that relationship rapport significantly predicted community integration, which in turn, predicted the wellbeing of community members. Longer meeting durations predicted improved relationship rapport, whilst the frequency of meetings did not. Qualitative feedback indicated that the person-centred approach was a key mechanism underpinning its success and that fostering a safe, trusting relationship is crucial for bridging people into the community. Overall, Local Area Coordination’s community-led approach is a promising opportunity to harness community assets, empower individuals, and contribute to a more inclusive and connected society.

"I’m Coming Out"

Research shows that music holds great importance to the LGBTQ+ community. However, only a handful of studies have explored personal and private music consumption and particularly its role in individual identity formation and the coming out process – typically, with a focus on gay men and lesbians. This experiential qualitative study explored the role of music in LGBTQ+ identities before, during and after the coming out process. Data were collected from 30 participants who identified as LGBTQ+ and/or in the process of coming out using an online qualitative survey; four of these participants also took part in follow-up interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, generating three themes: 1) Music to come out to; 2) Queer artists promoting individual authenticity, pride and empowerment; and 3) Queer music for community and belonging. The findings can inform the work of music therapists, music educators and community musicians working with LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. AcknowledgementsWe would like to thank all the participants for their contributions in this research and for taking the time to openly share their experiences. Funding: There was no funding for this research.

Financial Education in the 21st Century in African continent: Challenges and Opportunities

Purpose: Financial education is increasingly recognized as a critical life skill in the 21st century, given the complexity of modern financial systems and the necessity for individuals to make informed decisions regarding savings, investments, and debt management. This paper examines the challenges and opportunities associated with financial education, highlighting the role of technology, policy frameworks, and behavioral economics in shaping financial literacy outcomes. It also discusses the implications of financial education on individual well-being and economic stability. Furthermore, through comprehensive case studies and an in-depth analysis of global perspectives, this research identifies innovative solutions and policy implications to enhance financial education, contributing to the global discourse on economic resilience and individual empowerment. Methodology: The paper utilized a qualitative approach, sourcing data from textbooks, journal articles, government publications, newspapers, and other relevant academic materials. This method was chosen to capture diverse perspectives and provide a comprehensive understanding of financial education challenges and opportunities. Findings: The study delved into the historical context of financial education on the African continent, revealing a trajectory shaped by colonial influences, indigenous practices, and post-independence reforms. It became evident that financial education in Africa has long been marred by systemic exclusion and underdevelopment. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Digital innovation and global financial literacy campaigns offered promising avenues to expand access and engagement. Inclusive financial systems, particularly those blending traditional and modern practices, demonstrated potential for economic empowerment. Integrating financial education into formal curricula was recognized as a sustainable approach for fostering long-term literacy and resilience. These opportunities underscored the transformative potential of financial education in addressing socio-economic disparities and empowering African communities. By leveraging these avenues, Africa can navigate its unique challenges and harness the power of financial education for a prosperous future.

The Role of lifelong learning in promoting sustainable development: An Indian perspective in the 21st century

This paper emphasizes the critical role of lifelong learning in promoting sustainable development, particularly in developing countries. Sustainable development, while a central concept in global discourse, is often misunderstood by ordinary citizens and technocrats, underlining the need for educational interventions to demystify the concept. The paper argues that lifelong learning is crucial for fostering awareness of resource depletion and the importance of conserving essential resources for future generations. In many developing nations, a knowledge and skills deficit, compounded by the rapid pace of technological advancement, hinders economic and social progress. The lack of understanding in key areas, including economics, politics, and society, contributes to issues such as resource depletion, poverty, and environmental degradation. The paper asserts that lifelong learning can bridge these gaps, enabling individuals to adapt to the evolving global landscape and to embrace sustainable development practices. By empowering citizens with the necessary knowledge, attitudes, and skills, lifelong learning can help tackle challenges such as overconsumption and unsustainable resource use. Educating individuals through heutagogical approaches—learner-centred strategies that emphasize self-directed learning—can drive reform and sustainable practices at the grassroots level. The paper also discusses the alignment of lifelong learning with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which emphasizes the importance of inclusive education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, SDG 4, which advocates for “inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all,” serves as a key framework for integrating lifelong learning into national development strategies. Lifelong learning also contributes to the attainment of other SDGs, such as gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), health and well-being (SDG 3), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate change mitigation (SDG 13). As such, lifelong learning is presented not only as a critical tool for individual empowerment but also as a strategic means to achieve sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development in the 21st century.

From Past to Future of Financial Management Behaviour: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Issues

Financial management behaviour is an aspiration for individuals’ life aiming to achieve substantial financial success. Although several studies have examined this phenomenon, there still needs to be a comprehensive analysis that integrates diverse insights and provides a holistic perspective. To bridge this gap, the current research aim is to synthesize the study over 33 years (from 1992 to early 2024) and identify the current knowledge base, present research gaps and future research directions on systematic literature review. This research employed contemporary tools and software packages, that is, Excel, VOSviewer and R-studio, that assist in network visualization and systematic analysis. In the present review, it has been recognized that in the first half (1992–2008), only 47 (15.82%) research papers were published. However, in the second half (2009–2024), 250 research papers were published (84.18%), the more significant number of articles published in prestigious journals reflecting a rapid rise in the importance of finance among individuals. Furthermore, the United States is the leading nation, publishing 175 articles with 6,440 citations. A major finding of this review investigation is the identification of four knowledge clusters and comprehensive gap and research directions to guide future research. The study’s results help policymakers to make evidence-based strategies to strengthen the role of responsible financial management in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and empower individuals and communities worldwide.

Formulating the Edinburgh Wellbeing Pact: intersectoral practice, innovation and coproduction for health and social care change during and after COVID-19

Purpose This paper aims to present a case study of the early “formulation” activities that laid the foundation for the Edinburgh Wellbeing Pact, developed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pact aimed to foster partnership between service providers and citizens to prevent crises, empower individuals to manage their health and independence at home and strengthen the health and social care network in Edinburgh. Design/methodology/approach The study involved a retrospective review of documentary data, including reports, meeting notes, reflections and strategy documents. The analysis was led by the programme lead, who played a central role in the design and implementation of the Pact. Findings The formulation phase focused on building the Pact’s foundation through dialogues with citizens, staff, communities and stakeholders. It emphasised the development of the Pact’s vision and the establishment of key partnerships. This process was crucial for ensuring collaboration and guiding the transition from ideas to implementation. It led to the creation of key messages for staff, citizens and community partners. The formulation phase also facilitated the transfer of power and resources to citizens and enabled the creation of new funded initiatives, which introduced new service delivery models and strengthened collaboration between public and third sectors. Originality/value This case study contributes to understanding innovation in intersectoral practices, co-creation and co-production as strategies for addressing complex health and social care challenges. It provides insights for others engaged in similar initiatives.

The Production and Reproduction of Education Inequalities by Socioeconomic Status and Practical Approaches to Reduce Educational Inequality

Unequal distributions of education resources in the United States disproportionately affect children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue higher education. This severely limits their academic and career opportunities, as well as hinders the social stability and economic potential of this nation. This essay examines how inequalities are embedded across key educational stages and utilizes a chronological approach to reveal education inequalities, through unequal access to resources and potential system barriers from the preschool level to college. By analyzing the nature of the income-education spiral, this essay reviews how financial constraints and other roots perpetuate the unequal distribution of education resources in all stages. Practical solutions, including the role of the federal government, the role of the states, reforming financial aid systems, and educational savings accounts will be proposed. Through emphasizing feasible steps for all parties in the society, this essay highlights the idea that reducing educational inequality in the United States is essential, for individual empowerment, innovations and advancements of the society, and the economy of the nation.

EMPOWER: educating movement and physical activity opportunities for women experiencing residence insecurity

ABSTRACT This study aimed to model a replicable physical activity education program and its relationship to health-related quality of life as measured via Healthy Days (HD) questionnaire and empowerment of women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) who are navigating the challenges of residence insecurity Participants were 27 individuals residing in shelters in the Greater Harrisburg area. Once a week, for 4 weeks, the participants engaged in a 60-minute educational session encompassing physical activity and a short exercise routine. Participants completed an Empowerment in Exercises (EES) Scale after each session and the Healthy Days questionnaire before and after the 4-week intervention. There was a statistically significant difference in the Healthy Days question 1 (HD1) from the pre to post-test [t(16) = −4.8, 0.0002], which asked participants to rank their overall health. Empowerment scores improved from Week 1 (mean 4.38, SD 0.78) to Week 4 (mean 4.83, SD 0.47) with a Cohen d effect size of 0.70, indicating a moderate effect. This suggests that a 4-week educational program may influence participants’ perceptions of their overall health. Providing education and opportunities for physical activity may empower women experiencing residence insecurity to be more active and positively affect their overall health.

Empowerment and collective action: feminist solidarity through women’s entrepreneurship in Kyrgyzstan’s community-based tourism

PurposeThis study investigates the role of feminist solidarity in influencing women’s empowerment within Kyrgyzstan’s community-based tourism sector, exploring how traditional values intersect with feminist activism to create opportunities for socio-economic growth while highlighting the dynamic interactions that shape empowerment in this context.Design/methodology/approachUsing 32 in-depth interviews, this research applies a post-colonial feminist perspective to examine the complex dynamics of feminist solidarity among women entrepreneurs in Kyrgyzstan’s unique socio-cultural environment.FindingsFeminist solidarity is identified as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation and community empowerment, promoting economic opportunities, cultural preservation and knowledge-sharing across generations. The study introduces a spiral model of empowerment, illustrating the dynamic progression from individual empowerment to community solidarity, highlighting the evolving and interconnected nature of these processes.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings demonstrate that feminist solidarity drives socio-economic change in post-colonial contexts, offering opportunities for sustainable development and community empowerment. However, policymakers must approach leveraging feminist solidarity with caution, ensuring cultural sensitivity and avoiding oversimplified interventions. The community-based tourism sector illustrates that, when integrated thoughtfully, feminist solidarity can promote growth and cultural preservation, but only when aligned with local values and contexts.Originality/valueThis study advances the understanding of feminist solidarity and empowerment by not only providing a contextual analysis within Kyrgyzstan’s community-based tourism sector but also offering insights into the broader processes and dynamics of solidarity and empowerment. It illustrates how these concepts evolve and interact, demonstrating their impact on collective action and socio-economic change in post-colonial settings, thus enriching the theoretical discourse on gender and entrepreneurship.

Community-based Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Promoting Digital Health Literacy among People in Precarious Living Conditions

The rapidly advancing digital transformation is opening up innovative opportunities for disease prevention and health promotion, particularly through sociotechnical innovations. Digitally-enabled interventions serve as augmentative tools for disseminating health-related information and promoting individual empowerment and self-efficacy. Despite their potential, digital media in community-based disease prevention and health promotion face challenges, such as the need for low-threshold design and consideration of technological acceptance factors. People in precarious life situations, who often face limited access and lower literacy towards digital technologies, could benefit from targeted measures geared to their specific needs. At the same time, it is important to highlight the risks of insufficient digital health literacy, which can have a negative impact on health. Promoting digital health literacy therefore appears to be an essential tool for improving the health situation of people in precarious living circumstances. This article argues for evidence-based and targeted further development of digital interventions for health promotion that are tailored to the needs of people in precarious living conditions and emphasizes the central role of digital health literacy in this process. In this contribution, the area of early childhood intervention is considered for exemplification.

Chatbot for Multilingual Healthcare Environment Using Bio-BERT

Access to clear health information is crucial, many people in rural and underserved areas encounter challenges such as complex medical terminology, language barriers, and a shortage of healthcare providers. These obstacles can result in confusion, delays, and poor health outcomes. A multilingual AI chatbot can simplify medical information, provide real-time assistance, and offer guidance in the user's preferred language. This solution can enhance access to healthcare, bridge existing gaps, and empower individuals to make informed health choices.

Refugee entrepreneurs: Typologies of emancipation and impact

The economic and social impacts of refugee entrepreneurs on host countries are becoming increasingly significant. Drawing on interviews with 33 Syrian refugee entrepreneurs from different backgrounds in Turkey, we theorise the conditions, mechanisms and outcomes of individual and collective emancipation that refugee entrepreneurs garner. Our qualitative study offers two theoretical contributions to the literature. First, we develop a typology of emancipation (self-made, political, resource-driven and complete emancipation) among refugee entrepreneurs and identify two emancipation mechanisms (i.e. seeking autonomy and crafting/strengthening) that transform the conditions of refugee entrepreneurs. Second, we demonstrate how emancipation fosters individual empowerment, collective success and positive societal impact. We connect these theoretical expansions to suggest evidence-based policy and practice recommendations on integration and support the emancipatory potential of refugee entrepreneurship.

The role of digital health in modern pharmacy: A review of emerging trends and patient impacts

The integration of digital health into modern pharmacy practices has revolutionized patient care and medication management, ushering in a new era of convenience, accessibility, and personalized healthcare services. This review provides an insightful review of the evolving role of digital health in pharmacy, focusing on emerging trends and their impacts on patients. Digital health technologies, such as telepharmacy services, mobile health applications, and virtual consultations, have transformed the traditional pharmacy model by bridging geographical barriers and expanding access to healthcare services. Pharmacists can now engage with patients remotely, providing medication counselling, monitoring, and adherence support through digital platforms. These innovations enhance patient convenience, empower individuals to take control of their health, and ultimately improve health outcomes. Furthermore, digital health solutions leverage advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to optimize medication therapy and personalize patient care. AI-driven algorithms analyze patient data to identify trends, predict health outcomes, and optimize medication regimens, leading to more effective treatment plans and reduced medication errors. Moreover, digital health fosters greater collaboration and communication among healthcare providers, enabling seamless coordination of care and improved patient outcomes. Through secure electronic health records and interoperable systems, pharmacists can access comprehensive patient information, facilitating informed decision-making and enhanced patient safety. However, the adoption of digital health in pharmacy also presents challenges, including data privacy concerns, regulatory complexities, and disparities in digital literacy among patients. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure the ethical and effective implementation of digital health technologies in pharmacy practice. In conclusion, the integration of digital health into modern pharmacy represents a paradigm shift in patient care delivery, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and quality of care. By embracing emerging digital health trends, pharmacists can revolutionize medication management, improve patient engagement, and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for individuals and communities.

Meta-Education: Reimagining how—and What—we Teach in Business Schools

This paper comments on Wided Batat's thought provoking article on holixec education. Batat's framework offers numerous insights about the integration of holistic practices with execution-oriented strategies and I praise its innovation, iconoclasm, and broad scope. However, my commentary raises concerns about the potential limitations of neglecting theoretical knowledge and the significant demands placed on both instructors and students. Furthermore, my commentary questions the emphasis on secular humanism as a pedagogical philosophy, particularly in the context of spiritual development and individual empowerment. It explores the implications of the Dunning-Kruger Effect for self-directed learning and the potential for incorporating hybrid models that blend theory and practice. Finally, my commentary calls for an increased critical engagement with the broader social and environmental context of business education, advocating for “meta-education” that challenges the status quo and empowers future leaders to address pressing global challenges.

Exploring empowerment among justice-involved individuals through employment, self-employment, and cognitive behavioral programming

The empowerment of justice-involved individuals through various programs is being given significant consideration to ensure their successful reentry into society. While many scholars have emphasized the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals change their criminogenic thought patterns and reduce the likelihood of re-offending, a few have recently highlighted the need for connecting CBT’s benefits of empowerment to post-conviction activities like employment or self-employment. This study involved 15 in-depth interviews with individuals on parole or under supervision at a local community-based correction center. The study explored participants’ emerging sense of empowerment following CBT programming and considered how this empowerment is expressed through discussions of future work goals. The findings suggest that there may be untapped success by integrating these interventions more intentionally rather than implementing them separately to improve the rehabilitation outcomes for system-involved individuals.

The Effect of Offspring Gender Composition on Modern Contraceptive Uptake Among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Pakistan: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Pakistan is confronted with the formidable challenge of high population growth, which is compounded by cultural norms that prioritize male offspring, leading to adverse implications for family planning efforts and demographic trends. Despite efforts to promote contraception, including a national family planning program, Pakistan continues to struggle with low and stagnant contraceptive prevalence rates among married women. The influence of gender composition on modern contraceptive uptake remains underexplored, necessitating research to elucidate its impact on reproductive behavior. Materials and methods: This study used the dataset of a facility-based cross-sectional survey conducted in six districts of the Sindh and Punjab provinces in Pakistan. A subset of 495 married women of reproductive age seeking health services from March to June 2019 was used for this study. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the association between the gender composition of children and modern contraceptive uptake, adjusting for covariates such as province, the age of the women, and the type of health facility. Results: The analysis revealed a significant association between the gender composition of children and modern contraceptive uptake among married women. As the number of daughters increased without sons, the likelihood of contraceptive uptake remained low (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.04-0.34; p < 0.000), while having at least one son substantially increased the odds of contraceptive use (AOR: 19.91; 95% CI: 8.00-49.50; p < 0.000). Notably, the gender composition of having one daughter with two sons had the highest level of contraceptive uptake, potentially because of family composition preferences. Discussion: The findings highlight the pervasive influence of gender composition on reproductive decision-making in Pakistan, with a clear preference for sons driving modern contraceptive behavior. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to address gender norms and biases while promoting equitable access to family planning services. Engaging men in family planning initiatives is crucial for challenging traditional gender norms and fostering informed decision-making regarding contraception. Conclusions: Gender preference influences modern contraceptive uptake among women in Pakistan, with the strong preference for sons driving reproductive behavior. Addressing gender norms and biases while promoting informed, self-determined choice is essential for enhancing modern contraceptive uptake and achieving sustainable population growth. Targeted interventions, including male engagement strategies, are needed to challenge societal gender norms and empower individuals to make autonomous decisions regarding family planning.

Talking Fingers: A Multilingual Speech-to-Sign Language Converter

Communication is a basic human need, but thousands of people with hearing and speech impairments face limitations in everyday communication "Talking Fingers" is a modern assistive technology tool that transfers spoken or written language to Indian Sign Language (ISL). With multilingual capabilities, the tool provides technologies such as Google ML Kit for language recognition, MyMemory API for translation, ISL grammar services for more than one language and several languages accessible at a time Translated ISL will, a it provides a simple and powerful communication channel. The system outlines the ability to blend artificial intelligence (AI) and language generation to promote inclusion and empower individuals with disabilities

How can a spiritual pedagogy in religious education contribute to children’s spiritual growth?

ABSTRACT This paper explores how a spiritual pedagogy in religious education (RE) can contribute to children’s spiritual development to a larger extent than it currently does in the UK and in Norway. Contemporary RE focuses largely on knowledge transmission, but it could be reimagined to empower students to transform their lives by nurturing their spirituality. The paper starts by defining spirituality as a relational experience involving one’s connection with oneself, others, the natural world, and potentially the transcendent. This definition serves as a conceptual framing for the rest of the discussion, clarifying how spirituality is understood and how RE can nurture it. The paper then discusses Biesta’s pedagogical concept of subjectification, which opens up a space in RE to focus more on experiential and relational dimensions and individual empowerment. Empirically, I discuss the opportunities provided by Norwegian and British RE curricula.

Application of Machine Learning Algorithms in Predicting Academic Performance of Students in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs): A Systematic Review and Bibliographic Analysis

Purpose: This study aims to identify trends, key research areas, popular predictive features, machine learning algorithms used, and gaps in the existing literature. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study selected 60 articles published between 2018 and August 31, 2023, from Google Scholar and Scopus databases to address the identified knowledge gap. A systematic literature review and bibliographic analysis were conducted using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, with PRISMA chosen as the reporting format. Findings: The study reveals that machine learning models, particularly Decision Trees, followed by Random Forests, Artificial Neural Networks, Support Vector Machines, and Naïve Bayes, have significantly contributed to predicting student academic performance. The datasets predominantly utilised by researchers include students' academic records, demographics, activities, and behaviour, which are crucial for predicting academic performance and evaluating model effectiveness. Research Limitation: These limitations highlight the challenges in conducting comprehensive reviews of machine learning applications in educational contexts while acknowledging the evolving nature of both technology and educational assessment methods. Practical Implication: This research has the potential to inform evidence-based decision-making, promote personalised learning experiences and enable early interventions for at-risk students Social Implication: The study underscores the potential of machine learning algorithms to promote equity and inclusion, provide targeted student support, empower individuals, raise ethical considerations, foster community engagement, and support lifelong learning initiatives. Originality and Value: This research uniquely explores machine learning applications to predict student academic performance, identifying classroom participation and examination scores as key predictors. It offers a pragmatic approach to educational practice, identifies future research opportunities, and advocates for data-driven decision-making in higher education.