ISQOLS Regional Conference Africa (3-5 October),

Education Grant Recipient Reflections

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and through our own earmarked funds, ISQOLS was able to offer
education grants to support several early-career researchers in participating in the 1st Regional Conference in
South Africa, taking place from October 3-5, 2024.

Please find their reflections below:

*************************************************************************************************************

Kenni Wojujutari Ajele

My conference experience
The 1st Regional ISQOLS Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, brought together scholars to exchange
research and insights on quality-of-life studies. The conference opened on October 3rd with a pre-conference
workshop, “A Crash Course in the Psychology of WellBeing and Quality of Life,” which was particularly
valuable for young researchers like me. The session, led by expert instructor (Sirgy M. Joseph), provided a
comprehensive introduction to emerging psychological frameworks on subjective well-being, mental health,
and happiness research. The interdisciplinary approach offered practical insights that could be applied to
diverse fields, from academia to policymaking. One of the event's highlights was the keynote delivered by Dr.
Martijn Burger, “It’s Time for Africa: Well-being South of the Sahara.” His research on happiness economics
and the regional well-being of Sub-Saharan Africa resonated deeply with the ongoing challenges faced by
many African nations. His insights into the importance of economic growth, social capital, and wellbeing
frameworks for sustainable development were eye-opening and relevant to current policy discussions. Beyond
the engaging academic content, the hospitality provided throughout the event added to the experience. The
breaks between sessions allowed ample time to network with fellow participants while enjoying a variety of
delicious refreshments. The morning and afternoon tea breaks offered various pastries, fresh fruits, and
beverages, creating a relaxed atmosphere conducive to informal discussions. These moments helped foster
connections with researchers and practitioners worldwide, offering invaluable networking opportunities.
Lunches were equally impressive, offering a range of cuisines that highlighted South Africa’s rich culinary

1
diversity. Whether savoring a perfectly cooked traditional dish or enjoying the variety of salads and desserts,
the meals provided a refreshing pause from the intellectual rigor of the sessions. The relaxed lunch settings
were ideal for continuing conversations sparked during presentations, allowing for deeper engagement with the
topics discussed. The Gala Braai on October 4th was a memorable social event at the Irene Country Lodge,
featuring authentic South African barbecue, grilled meats, vegetarian options, and local delicacies, fostering a
festive atmosphere and fostering informal connections among participants. Throughout the event, parallel
sessions covered a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from mental health, cultural perspectives on well-being,
environmental dimensions, and the use of big data in quality-of-life research. I particularly enjoyed the session
on “Big Data and Digital Approaches to Well-Being,” which discussed innovative methodologies, such as using
neural networks to classify collective emotions and leveraging large language models for policy evaluation.
These discussions demonstrated how technology can advance well-being research and provide new tools for
policymakers. The presentations' diverse cultural representation and academic rigour underscored the
importance of contextualizing well-being within local and regional realities. For example, the “Well-being and
Happiness in Africa” session provided a unique perspective on how cultural values such as Ubuntu are integral
to fostering social cohesion and community happiness in African societies. The ISQOLS Regional Conference
provided a comprehensive understanding of global wellbeing issues, showcasing African researchers' unique
perspectives. The event was enriched by hospitality and warm exchanges.

*************************************************************************************************************
Dr Lawrence Ugwu
Postdoctoral Researcher
North-West University, South Africa

The conference began with an intellectually stimulating workshop by Professor Joseph Sirgy on the psychology
of well-being and quality of life. He explored the three philosophical views of happiness (psychological,
prudential, and perfectionist), challenging conventional understandings and encouraging reflection on the
multidimensional nature of well-being. This insightful session set the stage for the conference themes.
The official opening featured inspiring addresses by Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor of
the University of Johannesburg, who emphasised interdisciplinary collaboration, and Dr. Martijn Burger,
President of the International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies (ISQOLS). Dr. Burger highlighted the global
significance of quality-of-life research, the importance of developing more accurate measures of well-being,
and its societal impact.
A few standout presentations for me was Dr. Andre Clark’s keynote, “Take the Highway? Paved Roads and
Well-being in Africa.” His unique perspective on how infrastructure development impacts the well-being of
African communities was illuminating. Using spatial data, he demonstrated how paved roads influence
economic opportunities, access to services, and overall quality of life, showcasing the intersection of
geography, economics, and psychology.
Dr. Linda Theron’s presentation on “Multisystemic Resilience: The Foundation of Youth Well-being in
Sub-Saharan Africa” examined the complex systems contributing to youth resilience in challenging
environments. She emphasised the roles of familial, community, and societal factors in fostering resilience,
providing valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers.
Anthony Lepiuteur’s thought-provoking session, “Reversing the Reversal? A Systematic Reassessment and
Meta-analysis of Well-being Research,” explored the inherent inconsistencies in human motivations and
emotions. While these inconsistencies are natural, discernible patterns can be understood through rigorous
analysis. His findings could significantly influence future well-being research.
Another insightful session combined Dr Christian Hamann's analysis of microscale segregation and
socio-economic sorting in Gauteng with Dr Janine White’s presentation on “A Structural Equation Modelling of
Migration Status and Mental Health.” Their work revealed the need and benefits of the GRCO (Global
Research Data Collection Organization) data platform in shaping healthcare and well-being policies.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to chair a session and present my research, “Perceptions of Aging and
Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Quantitative Studies in
Sub-Saharan Africa.” The feedback enriched my study and affirmed the conference's value.

2
Beyond the academic sessions, the conference offered ample opportunities for networking with scholars
worldwide. The Gala Braai was a memorable event where scholars connected informally, and engaging with
experts in well-being research was enriching and inspiring.
I sincerely appreciate Professor Talita Greyling, her dedicated team, and the ISQOLS team for organising this
remarkable conference at Irene Lodge. Their hard work and meticulous planning were evident in every aspect,
making it an enriching opportunity for professional growth.
Thank you for fostering an environment that encourages learning, collaboration, and the advancement of
knowledge in well-being studies. I look forward to participating in future events and continuing the
conversations initiated here.

*************************************************************************************************************
Rebecca Prah
London School of Hygiene and Tropical medicine
Ghana

Attending the 1st Regional International Society for Quality of Life Studies (ISQOLS) Conference- Africa,
"Well-being and Happiness in a Democratic World" was a truly memorable experience. The conference was
truly engaging, with interesting discussions and presentations that expanded my knowledge and understanding
of well-being. It was impressive to see the range of researchers and experts at different stages of their careers,
sharing evidence and perspectives on well-being research, especially in Africa. Meeting and interacting with
these researchers and experts and gaining insights into their work was inspiring and motivating. These
interactions helped broaden my view of well-being research, especially in the African context.

The various presentation sessions I attended helped me to better understand the unique challenges and
opportunities related to well-being in the region. The discussions were thought-provoking and informative and
provided an opportunity for exchanging ideas. I also appreciated the format of having different keynote
speakers each day, which kept the conference content dynamic and insightful.

As a PhD. student, one of the highlights of the conference was the pre-conference session on well-being
psychology. It was very informative and interactive and gave me a deeper understanding of the different
aspects of well-being, and how to measure and apply them in research. Presenting my research on the
menstrual health and well-being of Ugandan adolescent girls was a great honor, and the feedback I received
will improve my current and future work.

I’m truly grateful to the organizers for the educational grant that made it possible for me to attend the
conference. I additionally commend the organizers for selecting Irene Lodge as the location for the conference.
The environment and scenery were perfect, offering a serene atmosphere that enhanced the overall
experience. The staff were excellent, and the services provided were impressively good. To end my report, I
would like to recognize Jill and Talita for their outstanding support before and during the conference. They were
consistently responsive and eager to assist, which made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. Their
dedication to ensuring everything ran smoothly truly made a difference and contributed to the event's success.
Thank you for your support and for organizing such an impactful event.

************************************************************************************************************

Salami SALIFOU ABDOULAYE

I am English teacher and PhD student in Applied Linguistics at Beninese Centre for Foreign languages
(CEBELAE), University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin Republic. I'm very happy to have attended for the first time to
ISQOLS conference which happened to be the first ISQOLS Regional Conference in Africa. This conference
has been an enlightening and transformative experience for me, and I would like to express my profound
gratitude to the organizers and sponsors for offering me education grant. I am also impressed about my warm
welcome in ISQOLS community. I am specially grateful to Ms Jill Johnson, Prof. Talita Greyling, Prof.
Stephanie Rossouw and Prof. Martijn Burger for assisting me and facilitating my Journey from Benin to South
3
Africa. First of all, the pre-conference training facilitated by Prof. Joseph Sirgy has imparted me an immersive
and career-orientated knowledge in wellbeing and quality of life. The sessions and presentations were very
instructive.I had the honor of interacting with professionals from different fields, and their approaches have
enhanced my comprehension of wellbeing and quality of life. Moreover, I got the opportunity to network with
the outstanding experts from all over the world. It’s the first time I have met higher ranked experts and
professors who are very kind and opened-minded. The multidisciplinary nature of the conference enabled me
to present a paper on ‘’ Promoting Happiness and social wellbeing through peace linguistics ‘’. Research on
Africa wellbeing presented by prof. Martijn Burger generated new ideas that I will share with my colleagues in
order to expand wellbeing research in Benin Republic. Thank you so much indeed and see you in Luxembourg
2025.

*************************************************************************************************************

Tendai Machaya
University of Johannesburg
Counselling Psychologist & lecturer
South Africa

Attending the recent ISQOLS conference in South Africa was a transformative experience that significantly
enhanced my understanding of well-being, happiness, and quality of life. The pre-conference workshop, which
focused on the Psychology of Well-being, was particularly beneficial as it laid a foundational knowledge of the
emerging psychological science surrounding these topics. This workshop equipped me with essential concepts
and enabled me to engage more deeply with the subsequent presentations during the leading conference. The
knowledge gained helped me appreciate the nuances in discussions about happiness and well-being, making it
easier to follow complex ideas presented later. One of the conference's highlights was the keynote address by
Professor Martijn Burger, themed "It's Time for Africa." His inspiring speech emphasised the urgent need for a
renewed focus on well-being and happiness across the continent. Professor Burger articulated a vision for
integrating quality of life into policy-making and community initiatives, providing a hopeful direction for future
research and practice in Africa. His insights resonated deeply with attendees, igniting discussions on
implementing strategies that foster happiness and well-being in diverse African contexts.

I was privileged to present my paper among esteemed academics, which was an invaluable opportunity to
share my research with giants in the field. This experience boosted my confidence and allowed me to receive
constructive feedback that will undoubtedly enhance my future work. Additionally, I had the honour of chairing
one of the parallel sessions. This experience enriched my understanding of different perspectives within our
field and sharpened my skills in facilitating academic discussions. The educational grant I received was crucial
in facilitating my attendance at this conference. It allowed me to network with high-profile authors and
researchers, fostering connections that will be instrumental in my career. Engaging with established scholars
allowed me to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations that could advance my research. I strongly
advocate for more educational grants to support young researchers; such initiatives are vital for nurturing talent
and promoting innovative research in our field.

In summary, the ISQOLS conference was an academic gathering and a vibrant platform for sharing ideas and
forging connections. The combination of insightful presentations, particularly Professor Burger's keynote
address, and hands-on experiences like chairing sessions and presenting papers enriched this event. I left
Johannesburg inspired and eager to apply what I've learned while researching well-being and quality of life.

*************************************************************************************************************

Aeshitu Sali
University of Buea
Cameroon

I really do appreciate the organisers and coordinators of this academic Symposium, which brought both top
ranking and emerging researchers together with the aim of looking for strategies on how to spark up and
sustain subjective mental health in a democratic world.
4
The ISQOLS conference that I just attended has enriched me with skill and knowledge on how to get deeply
engaged in to research, how to do both qualitative and quantitative analysis, present findings and results
using different ways and also bring out recommendations that can crub or completely eradicate the problems
plaguing our societies and communities today.

The knowledge I acquired during the pre conference and the conference is already creating a great impact in
my community and my university. I am already having tutorials with students online on subjective well-being
and quality of life. Also these skills and knowledge acquired will be handed over to students who didn't have
access to get them online in an upcoming conference that will take place in my university in December.

The presentations were excellent, very enriching and timely. The venue was excellent, entertainment excellent,
conference materials good, everything was just excellent.

*************************************************************************************************************
Bailey Allan
Stellenbosch University, South Africa

My name is Bailey Allan, a young researcher from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, driven by a passion
for uplifting those affected by poverty and promoting well-being. My aim is to empower individuals to lead
happier, more fulfilling lives through meaningful research that creates impactful change within communities.
Attending the International Quality of Life Studies (IQOLS) conference in South Africa was a pivotal moment for
me as a budding researcher, where the innovative studies presented fueled my desire to explore these
important topics further.

Upon arriving in Johannesburg, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. However, any apprehension
quickly faded in the welcoming environment of IQOLS, where participants felt more like family than mere
colleagues. The first day was an exhilarating mix of global presentations, each offering unique insights and
methodologies that inspired me to consider how I could apply these ideas in my own South African context.
The day culminated in a vibrant opening event filled with delicious cuisine and enriching conversations.

On the second day, I explored research across various fields, including well-being, education, caregiving,
families, AI, and economics. This experience reinforced the idea that, despite our diverse backgrounds, we
share a common mission: to uplift one another and enhance our communities. I left the conference invigorated,
equipped with new connections and insights about fostering happiness and well-being around the world.

My commitment to impactful research was solidified through this experience at IQOLS. I am grateful for the
opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and share in a spirit of collaboration. This conference not
only expanded my knowledge but also deepened my resolve to contribute positively to society.