28 | Engaging society
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HOME WIN THE bEST OF TIMES,
THE WORST OF TIMES
A public engagement project in kenya In March 2009, the team held a A play telling the stories of children
has helped to dispel some of the participatory planning workshop on dialysis has won a prestigious
myths surrounding medical research. attended by local science teachers, national award.
scientists and a representative from the
The KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Research District Education Office to plan school For the Best was based on the physical
Programme in Kenya includes a major activities. Suggested activities included entrapment and vivid imaginative travels
site at the coastal town of Kilifi, carrying school trips to the Programme, visits by experienced by children on dialysis. It
out research into malaria and other scientists to schools, a football game was developed by artist Mark Storor, in
infectious diseases affecting children. pitting scientists against students, and collaboration with Anna Ledgard, from
Researchers at Kilifi were keen to give an inter-school science competition. the stories, pictures, songs and poems
local students an insight into their As not all students could visit, students created by children attending the dialysis
work, and into the process and goals from three schools filmed Kilifi’s research unit at Evelina Children’s Hospital and
of biomedical research more generally. facilities and produced a ‘virtual tour’ to children at two primary schools.
Thanks to an International Engagement be shown in schools.
Award, they were able to develop Funded by a Wellcome Trust Arts Award,
and pilot school activities that have The activities ran for six months, and For the Best won the 2009 Theatre
helped to forge better links with the a follow-up survey found significant Management Association Theatre Award
local community and even encouraged changes in knowledge and attitudes. The for Best Show for Children and Young
students to consider a career in medical intervention with the biggest impact was People, placing it alongside the work of
research. the school visits by Kenyan scientists, major national theatre institutions. It was
with whom students could identify most seen by 1800 people during its run at the
The Kenya Programme is an international closely. Their support and enthusiasm Unicorn Theatre in London during June
institute, including a number of significantly motivated students to take 2009.
researchers from Kenya and East an interest in science – and in some
Africa. Local residents participate in cases consider scientific careers. The play received almost universal critical
much of its research, the fruits of which acclaim. The Guardian described it as
have influenced healthcare in Kenya a “devastating theatrical journey that
and throughout Africa. However, local throws dazzling light on the idea of illness
awareness of its work is limited. as metaphor” and an “extraordinary,
fierce and moving show”. In Time Out’s
In an initial survey, the project team, words, it was “as magical as the circus
led by Alun Iwan Davies, discovered and as epic as Greek tragedy”. And
that many students were unsure about Whatsonstage.com deemed it “possibly
the purpose of the Programme. Some the most extraordinary show currently
thought its main role was to treat playing in London”.
the sick. Others mentioned rumours
circulating in the community that
revealed significant misconceptions
(and even bizarre suggestions that
researchers were devil worshippers).
IMAGES
1 ‘Home-grown’ researchers can act as role models for African children.
2 Primary school children helped to develop For the Best.
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