Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller
Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller, førsteamanuensis, UiB
Main content
- Health promotion
- Migration
- Social inclusion
- Participation
I have a multidisciplinary background having studied psychology (bachelor), health promotion (master) and human geography (PhD). My previous research includes a mental health project in community psychiatry (Zimbabwe), HIV prevention and sexual education in primary schools (Zimbabwe), and a nationwide research project on children and young people’s participation in schools (Scotland). I am particularly interested in the perspectives of marginalized groups in society and how to improve social inclusion. Theoretically, my focus is on strength and resource based approaches such as resilience and salutogenesis, within a socio-ecological perspective. Methodologically, I am a qualitative researcher, with a focus on participatory and visual methods. I also have experience using mixed methods.
My multidisciplinary background, and having lived, worked and studied in three countries has led me to appreciate that working interdisciplinary provides a more holistic perspective. I am a member of two research groups in my department: Child welfare, equality and social inclusion and Global development for equity. Currently, my research is on immigrant and ethnic minority children, young people and families’ adaptation to life in Norway, focusing on people with refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds. Together with my colleagues from my research groups and others from outside the University of Bergen we developed the Refugee Resilience group, an interdisciplinary collaborative project that includes child welfare, geography, global development, health promotion, social work, social anthropology and sociology. The group works closely with organizations that provide services for immigrants such as Bergen, Voss and Fusa municipalities, the Red Cross, the Church City Mission (Kirkens Bymisjon) and NAV. Through this collaboration, our research aims to provide knowledge that may not only help support immigrants as they adapt to Norwegian society, but can also inform practitioners, service providers and policy makers. Furthermore, and in connection with the Refugee Resilience project, I am currently leading a three year NFR funded network building project to expand our network nationally and internationally. The network will not only stimulate the sharing of ideas and exchange of experiences between Norwegian academics, practitioners, service providers, voluntary organizations and the immigrants, but also with similar groups from other European countries.
Contact information: fungi.ottemoller@uib.no/
