Examining the Impact of MSR's Program on its Members from 2007 to 2024

Greenfield, Aidan; Crouse, Stryder; Mulligan, Kathryn; LeSieur, Nicolas

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Examining the Impact of MSR's Program on its Members from 2007 to 2024

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This study examines the impact of the Men on the Side of the Road (MSR) program in Namibia, focusing on its effectiveness in enhancing economic empowerment and social upliftment of its members. Established in 2007 in Katutura, a township marked by socio-economic challenges that are traceable back to the country’s colonial history, MSR aims to provide unemployed individuals with job placement opportunities, financial and English literacy classes, vocational training, and professional development. While in Namibia, we administered 343 surveys and conducted 5 focus groups and 3 interviews with MSR members based in three locations, Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay, between March and April 2024. The study aimed to examine the improvement in income levels, financial stability, and the overall enhancement of members' life satisfaction and self-esteem. Member’s opinions about the program were overwhelmingly positive. The usefulness of training and programs along with satisfaction across all areas had consistently high ratings. Members frequently wrote about needing more access to resources like computers and the internet. MSR also lacks an effective form of communication with members. Despite this, members' economic and social well-being increased due to participation in the program. Wages went up and people were able to get better jobs. This study underscores the importance of addressing unemployment as a systemic issue as well as implementing long term solutions for the Namibian working class.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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