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PhD student Innocent Kasiyano discusses how his research challenges the 'lost generation' narrative of Zimbabwean youth and how the SOAS Library supports his work on youth political engagement.

We are fundraising to support the SOAS Library in providing essential resources, welcoming study spaces, and expert research support for all who depend on it. Support the SOAS Library by giving today. 

The journey toward attaining a PhD in Politics and International Studies is not merely about acquiring a degree. It is a crucial step toward my long-term goal of becoming an expert in citizen engagement, politics, governance, and elections in Zimbabwe. A vital component of this journey has been my access to the extensive and specialised resources of the SOAS Library, particularly its collection on African Politics.

My PhD sets a foundation of academia and policy engagement

My name is Innocent Kasiyano, and I am a final-year PhD student at SOAS, within the Department of Politics and International Studies. My decision to pursue a PhD at SOAS was driven by several factors. SOAS consistently ranks highly in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, particularly in Politics and International Studies.

The university boasts a diverse and distinguished faculty specialising in African politics, providing invaluable insights into my research focus. Attaining a PhD at SOAS is not the end but a means to establish myself as a public intellectual, researcher, and educator in Zimbabwe. The opportunity to teach MSc students at SOAS has already set the foundation for my future contributions to academia and policy engagement.

Changing the narrative: Youth, politics, and participation in Zimbabwe

My PhD research focuses on Youth, Politics, and Participation in Zimbabwe, specifically in the Highfield suburb of Harare. My study explores the different forms of youth participation in politics, how political parties engage with youths over time, and the motivations and rationales behind youth political participation or disengagement. 

My research seeks to challenge prevailing narratives that frame African youth as a 'problem' or a 'lost generation.' Instead, I aim to highlight their agency and the complexities of their political engagement. This research builds on my Master’s thesis, which examined youth political engagement in Highfield between 2000 and 2008.

How the SOAS Library supports my research

The SOAS Library has been indispensable in my PhD journey. Its vast resources, specialised collections, and academic support have been fundamental to my research success. The library houses a vast collection of books, journals, and databases focused on African politics, many available in both print and digital formats. The library's African Politics archive is a goldmine for researchers like me, offering unique materials on youth political engagement. 

The library's African Politics archive is a goldmine for researchers like me, offering unique materials on youth political engagement.

The library staff have been incredibly helpful in guiding me toward relevant resources, offering research workshops, and providing methodological support. The library offers quiet study areas for focused work and collaborative spaces for discussions with colleagues. The availability of research software, such as NVIVO for data analysis, has been invaluable in managing and analyzing my qualitative data.

The impact of losing access to the SOAS Library resources

Without the SOAS Library and its specialist collections, my research would face significant challenges. Limited access to academic materials would mean relying on open-access sources or expensive subscriptions, slowing my research progress and limiting my academic output. The lack of access to cutting-edge academic journals and databases would compromise the depth and rigor of my research. 

The expertise of subject librarians and access to research workshops have been invaluable. Without them, navigating and refining my research methodology would be significantly more challenging.

The SOAS Library is not just a support system; it is a cornerstone of my academic journey and future aspirations.

The SOAS Library is more than just a repository of books; it is an academic sanctuary that fosters research excellence. As I progress in my PhD, the resources and support provided by the library continue to be crucial in shaping my work on youth, politics, and governance in Zimbabwe. Beyond my PhD, my goal remains to contribute meaningfully to political discourse in Zimbabwe, influencing both academic debates and policy-making. The SOAS Library is not just a support system; it is a cornerstone of my academic journey and future aspirations.

With your support, we hope to raise £35,000 so we can continue to provide vital resources, study spaces, and expert research assistance to all who rely on the SOAS Library. Support the SOAS Library by giving today.