CSEA Trains Facilitators and Enumerators for the Gender and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Network (GRAIN)

The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), conducted a series of training sessions for facilitators and enumerators engaged in data collection for the Gender and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Network (GRAIN) Education Project. The training, led by Anthony Okon and Obiageli Ekwunwa, were held across Oyo and Enugu, focusing on strengthening participants’ capacity in research methodologies, ethical standards, and effective data collection using surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs).

The first training  took place from November 10–11, 2025, at Cocoa House in Oyo State. During this session, participants were introduced to  the project’s background, rationale, geographic scope, and expected deliverables. This was followed by technical sessions which covered research design, ethical considerations, and mixed-method data collection approaches. Participants gained practical knowledge of administering surveys and conducting FGDs, equipping them to lead fieldwork and contribute to generating high-quality evidence to inform gender-inclusive education policies.

The second training , held from November 13–14, 2025, at Roban Hotel in Enugu state, provided a deeper hands-on experience with survey and FGD tools. Participants reviewed and refined the instruments, and also translated questions and defined roles such as note-taking. Practical exercises included a field test of the survey using SurveyCTO software and mock FGD sessions, followed by debriefings to incorporate observations from the pilot exercises.

Overall, the training successfully strengthened participants’ competencies, resulting in improved data collection instruments, increased ethical awareness, and practical field experience. The piloting and refinement of tools marked significant steps toward ensuring reliable and gender-sensitive data for the GRAIN Education Project.