PhD Sponsorship
When finances have permitted - most often following a significant donation - the Mary Kitzinger Trust sponsors a student through their doctoral studies. The most recent beneficiary of such sponsorship is in her final year of her PhD at Anglia Ruskin University who are co-funding the project.
If and when further opportunities become available for further funding, we will advertise via this website and the usual channels. Please do not apply to the Mary Kitzinger Trust speculatively for funding because we are only able to offer sponsorship when the situation allows.
The CASCADE project, sponsored by the Mary Kitzinger Trust and led by PhD candidate Martina Finessi under the supervision of Dr. Elena Sakkalou (main supervisor), aims to empower primary-aged children with visual impairments through a unique, parent-led intervention. Delivered through 18 engaging online lessons, the programme uses an auditory format that follows the adventure of a scout leader on a treasure hunt in a mysterious school. Children progress through the lessons by developing essential skills such as social interaction, communication, creativity and spatial awareness. By completing each lesson, children demonstrate their learning and earn their way to the treasure, fostering both independence and confidence in their abilities.
The CASCADE project represents a pioneering approach to inclusive education, combining technology and storytelling to create an immersive learning experience for children with visual impairments. The parent-led aspect ensures that families can play an active role in their child's development, creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Interested in participating or finding out more? Contact Martina at mf689@pgr.aru.ac.uk or Elena at elena.sakkalou@aru.ac.uk
Martina Finessi, PhD candidate
