M.Ed. (Educational Psychology) / The main aim of this research inquiry was to explore the use of indigenous knowledge by Black-African educational psychologists in South Africa when working with children who have been traumatised. I hoped that the results would provide a better understanding of how indigenous knowledge can be applied in therapeutic interventions in a way that takes into account the client’s cultural preferences. Mental health professionals are becoming more aware that cultural customs and beliefs have considerable influence on therapeutic interventions. The Western conceptualisation of health and illness is insufficient in a culturally diverse society like the one found in South Africa. There is a need to explore how traditional concepts can be incorporated into psychology and how indigenous knowledge can contribute to the wellbeing of a person, from a culturally congruent worldview. In indigenous knowledge, there is recognition that communities have their own definition of healing needs and strategies when addressing trauma. The perception and beliefs about the causation, communication and acknowledgement of the problem are all culturally constructed and can influence psychotherapy. However, there is a lack of research on applying indigenous knowledge in therapy, specifically in the context of children who have been exposed to exploitative trauma (abuse) and loss (death). As such, there is a need in South Africa for the development of psychotherapeutic interventions that are culturally valid, which can be applied to children who have been traumatised. The research approach employed within this study is qualitative. A phenomenological design was followed. The overarching framework was that of social constructivism. I interviewed five black educational psychologists who live in the Gauteng area through the use of snowball sampling. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews. The data collection and analysis process was done through the use of thematic analysis, whereby certain themes were revealed. The psychotherapeutic interventions that were discerned were based mostly on the trauma children experienced due to child abuse and the death of parents. These included 1) use of oral traditions comprising stories, folklore, proverbs and metaphors; 2) rituals, comprising visiting the grave, communication with ancestors through the slaughter of animals and cleansing ceremonies involving the slaughter of animals; 3) games, specifically masekitlana; 4) music, especially singing and drums; 5) the use of Ubuntu to support clients through care, as well as using available family systems to promote systemic support. These interventions are thought to be useful as they are non-threatening; they allow clients to express themselves, they are a way of relating/identifying, they release emotion and they help to release any “impurity”. With the choice of psychotherapeutic interventions, it is important to consider the “goodness of fit” or congruency between the culture and belief system of both the therapist and client. The findings of the study could make a contribution to the field of psychotherapy in South Africa, since it makes a strong case for the inclusion of psychotherapeutic interventions that are sensitive to cultural differences and meet the needs of children’s cultural beliefs.

The purpose of the study was to find out about provision of guidance and counselling in the schools in the Transkei sub-region of the Eastern Cape. Guidance and counselling services are crucial to the success of lifelong learning policies, providing assistance and advice to learners so that they make better informed and future educational and career choices suitable for them. Through guidance and counseling services, students develop a clear understanding of self, their attitudes, abilities, interests, ambitions, resources and limitations from career counselling. They are also guided into various entrepreneurial activities, training, advancement and other benefits for sustainable self-reliance and self-worth. Students are able to achieve and live fulfilled lives and contribute meaningfully to the development of their country in all spheres of life once they receive appropriate guidance and counselling services. Guidance and counseling services look at the holistic development of the learner by taking into account the psycho-social, intellectual, emotional and physical development aspects of the learner within the context of the learner’s environment. The provision of guidance and counselling programmes and services is the shared responsibility of all school staff. A team approach should be employed, wherein all staff members have specified roles to play. School counsellors play a key role in planning and implementing programmes and service. Guidance and counselling programmes and services are systematically planned to meet the needs of all learners and are infused into the daily activities of schools. Using a quantitative research design, the research sample included Department of Education (DoE) Officials and teachers in seven districts in the Transkei sub-region of the Eastern Cape. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics in were used to analyse the provision of guidance and counselling in the schools in the Transkei sub-region of the Eastern Cape. The results revealed that guidance and counselling is necessary in schools and that it should be provided in all schools in the districts. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Specialisation in Guidance and Counselling)

The purpose of the study was to find out about provision of guidance and counselling in the schools in the Transkei sub-region of the Eastern Cape. Guidance and counselling services are crucial to the success of lifelong learning policies, providing assistance and advice to learners so that they make better informed and future educational and career choices suitable for them. Through guidance and counseling services, students develop a clear understanding of self, their attitudes, abilities, interests, ambitions, resources and limitations from career counselling. They are also guided into various entrepreneurial activities, training, advancement and other benefits for sustainable self-reliance and self-worth. Students are able to achieve and live fulfilled lives and contribute meaningfully to the development of their country in all spheres of life once they receive appropriate guidance and counselling services. Guidance and counseling services look at the holistic development of the learner by taking into account the psycho-social, intellectual, emotional and physical development aspects of the learner within the context of the learner’s environment. The provision of guidance and counselling programmes and services is the shared responsibility of all school staff. A team approach should be employed, wherein all staff members have specified roles to play. School counsellors play a key role in planning and implementing programmes and service. Guidance and counselling programmes and services are systematically planned to meet the needs of all learners and are infused into the daily activities of schools. Using a quantitative research design, the research sample included Department of Education (DoE) Officials and teachers in seven districts in the Transkei sub-region of the Eastern Cape. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics in were used to analyse the provision of guidance and counselling in the schools in the Transkei sub-region of the Eastern Cape. The results revealed that guidance and counselling is necessary in schools and that it should be provided in all schools in the districts. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Specialisation in Guidance and Counselling)

In the light of the HIVAIDS pandemic in South Africa and its potential impact on learners, counselling is still the best available tool that can be used by the school management team to deal with the loss, pain, trauma and suffering experienced by the lear:ners. This study focuses on the role and functions of the school management team in managing the counselling of primary school learners affected by HIV/AIDS in Mount Ayliff District in the Eastern Cape, using a literature review and empirical· investigation. The former discusses the HIV/AIDS phenomenon, school policy on HIV/AIDS, HIV/AIDS counselling, and the role and functions of the school management team in managing school counselling services. Egan's model, known as the skilled helper model was used to provide an understanding of counselling services. A qualitative study investigated the views of a sample of management teams of three primary schools in Mount Ayliff District in the Eastern Cape. Sites and participants were selected by purposeful sampling. Data were collected by use of indepth interviews with two principals, two deputy principals, four heads of departments (HODs) and one senior teacher. All the interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed. Notes were also taken to supplement the audio-tapes. The data were later analysed. Essentially, findings illustrated that the school management team has a critical role in ensuring the provision of effective counselling services to those learners who are affected by HIV/AIDS. The data further reflected the importance of a school counsellor, an HIV/AIDS school policy and the Department of Education's intervention in training and empowering the management team in effectively managing the ravages of HIV/AIDS in schools. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Education Management)

In the light of the HIVAIDS pandemic in South Africa and its potential impact on learners, counselling is still the best available tool that can be used by the school management team to deal with the loss, pain, trauma and suffering experienced by the lear:ners. This study focuses on the role and functions of the school management team in managing the counselling of primary school learners affected by HIV/AIDS in Mount Ayliff District in the Eastern Cape, using a literature review and empirical· investigation. The former discusses the HIV/AIDS phenomenon, school policy on HIV/AIDS, HIV/AIDS counselling, and the role and functions of the school management team in managing school counselling services. Egan's model, known as the skilled helper model was used to provide an understanding of counselling services. A qualitative study investigated the views of a sample of management teams of three primary schools in Mount Ayliff District in the Eastern Cape. Sites and participants were selected by purposeful sampling. Data were collected by use of indepth interviews with two principals, two deputy principals, four heads of departments (HODs) and one senior teacher. All the interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed. Notes were also taken to supplement the audio-tapes. The data were later analysed. Essentially, findings illustrated that the school management team has a critical role in ensuring the provision of effective counselling services to those learners who are affected by HIV/AIDS. The data further reflected the importance of a school counsellor, an HIV/AIDS school policy and the Department of Education's intervention in training and empowering the management team in effectively managing the ravages of HIV/AIDS in schools. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Education Management)

On t.p.: Master of Arts (Welfare Programme Management) / Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study of case management of sexually abused children by social workers was conducted in the Moses Kotane District Municipality, because of the following reasons: firstly, there is an escalation of reported cases that are referred from various service organizations to the Department of Social Services; secondly the statutory policies alone cannot be the absolute protection for children against sexual abuse; thirdly, as communities seem to ignore their roles in protecting children against this problem. The social workers end up carrying the ultimate responsibility to protect children. An exploratory study was therefore undertaken to investigate how social workers in the Moses Kotane District Municipality intervene in these cases. It is crucial for professionals to have the necessary knowledge, skills and correct attitude when they intervene in child sexual abuse cases. The study explored the various dynamics that motivate this problem as well as the circumstances that can expose children to the risk of child sexual abuse. Motivation to abuse children in the Moses Kotane District Municipality emanated from the family circumstances, characteristics of the abusive father(s) as well as a lack of community child care resources The social workers need to have insight in various risk factors of this problem. These may include the circumstances surrounding the child, community factors, societal factors, family factors and the attributes of professionals dealing with child sexual abuse cases. The knowledge of the dynamics and risk factors assists social workers to assess whether the child has been abused and to do risk assessment as well as need assessment of the victims and their families. Such information can assist the social workers to make a safety plan of action regarding the child victims. It is therefore vital that the social workers identify the nature of case management style through which they render services to sexually abused children. Direct service delivery, which is preferred by most social workers in the agency, and indirect service delivery are the two types of case management styles that social workers can employ, depending on whether they work in a generic social work setting or private child welfare agency. Although social workers may have the expertise and skill to intervene effectively in child sexual abuse cases, their interventions may be affected by various challenges and result in ineffective service delivery to the victims and perpetrators of child sexual abuse. These challenges may include working conditions that are adverse, community trials of cases of child sexual abuse and unresponsive agency management. Other challenges may include resistance from clients, lack of supervision, lack of training in child sexual abuse work as well as the demanding nature of child sexual abuse work. Throughout the process of case management the social workers need to liaise and cooperate with the multi-professional team comprising of the police (CPU), medical personnel, the prosecutor(s), a psychologist as well as the family members. The team may vary from one agency to the other, however, the social worker, police and medical personnel need to be available at all the team meetings. None of these professionals is supposed to assess victims alone, because the assessment should be focused on the social, medical, psychological, legal, physical and material needs of sexually abused children. It is imperative that social workers are aware of how their attitudes, beliefs, emotions, perceptions and feelings affect the effectiveness of service delivery to these children. The professionals therefore need to be skilled to react responsively and professionally to the victims. Social skills are important for creating worthy client - worker relationships and to enhance accountability in role relationships between the clients and the professionals. By applying interactional skills, the social workers can create a child-friendly atmosphere during intervention, as the social worker can be able to listen empathetically and deal with feelings that surface during the interviews. By applying cognitive skills, the professionals can be in a position to "read" subtle emotions and feelings of the clients and assess the level of their cognitive functioning. The application of theory in practice is vital during intervention as decisions; judgement and interventions should be professional and not haphazard. The social worker thus needs to have knowledge of the perspectives, theories and models of social work. This study has provided such a framework to guide social workers in managing cases of child sexual abuse. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die studie oor hoe maatskaplike werkers gevallebestuur van seksueel gemolesteerde kinders doen, is in die Moses Kotane Munisipale Distrik onderneem om die volgende redes. Eerstens is daar 'n toename in die gerapporteerde gevalle van seksuele molestering wat deur verskeie diensorganisasies verwys word na die maatskaplike werkers in diens van Departement van Welsyn. Tweedens bied die statutêre beleid op sigself nie aan kinders algehele beskerming teen seksuele molestering nie. Derdens blyk dit dat van maatskaplike werkers verwag word om algehele verantwoordelikheid vir die beskerming van kinders te aanvaar omdat dit skyn asof gemeenskappe hulle rol om kinders teen seksuele molestering te beskerm, ignoreer. Derhalwe is 'n verkennende studie onderneem om vas te stel hoe maatskaplike werkers in die Moses Kotane Munisipale Distrik dienste lewer aan hierdie kinders. Dit is essensieel dat professionele persone oor die nodige kennis, vaardighede en regte houding sal beskik wanneer gevalle van seksuele molestering van kinders hanteer word. Met die studie is die faktore wat aanleiding gee tot seksuele molestering, sowel as die omstandighede wat kinders blootstel aan die risiko van seksuele molestering, ondersoek. Daar is vasgestel dat die motivering vir seksuele molestering van kinders in die Moses Kotane Munisipale Distrik gespruit het uit hulle gesinsomstandighede, kenmerke van die molesterende vader(s), sowel die gebrek aan bronne vir kinderbeskerming in die gemeenskap. Maatskaplike werkers behoort insig te hê in die faktore wat kinders 'n risiko van seksuele molestering kan maak. Hierdie faktore kan verband hou met die omstandighede van die kind, gemeenskapsfaktore, samelewingsfaktore, gesinsfaktore en die kenmerke van die professionele persone wat die gevalle van kinders wat seksueel molesteer is, hanteer. Kennis van die dinamika van seksuele molestering en die risiko faktore van seksuele molestering van kinders, sal maatskaplike werkers in staat stelom te assesseer of kinders gemolesteer is en om risiko-assesserings, sowel as behoeftebepalings van die slagoffers en hulle gesinne te doen. Sodanige inligting sal die maatskaplike werker help om 'n veiligheidsplan van aksie vir kinderslagoffers op te stel. Dit is derhalwe noodsaaklik dat maatskaplike werkers die aard van hulle gevallebestuur styl deur middel waarvan dienste aan seksueel gemolesteerde kinders gelewer word, sal kan identifiseer. Direkte dienslewering, wat deur die meeste maatskaplike werkers in die ondersoek groep verkies is en indirekte dienslewering is die twee soorte gevalle bestuurstyle wat maatskaplike werkers kan gebruik. Die keuse tussen die twee sal afhang van of maatskaplike werkers in 'n generiese of gespesialiseerde opset praktiseer. Alhoewel maatskaplike werkers oor die kundigheid en vaardigheid mag beskik om gevalle van seksuele molestering effektief te hanteer, mag hulle intervensies beïnvloed word deur verskeie struikelblokke wat kan veroorsaak dat oneffektiewe diens aan die slagoffers en oortreders van seksuele molestering van kinders gelewer kan word. Struikelblokke wat deur die respondente ervaar IS, is byvoorbeeld onproduktiewe werksomstandighede, gemeenskapsverhore van oortreders van seksuele molestering van kinders en onresponsiewe besture van organisasies. Ander struikelblokke kan die weerstand van kliënte, gebrek aan supervisie, gebrek aan opleiding in die hantering van seksuele molestering van kinders, sowel as die veeleisende aard van die hantering van kinders wat seksuele gemolesteer is, insluit. Tydens die proses van gevallebestuur behoort die maatskaplike werker deurlopend te skakel en saam te werk met 'n multi-professionele span, bestaande uit die polisie (KBE), mediese personeel, die staatsaanklaer, 'n sielkundige, sowel as die gesinslede van die gemolesteerde kind. Alhoewel die span van organisasie tot organisasie kan verskil, behoort die maatskaplike werker, polisie en die mediese personeel beskikbaar te wees vir alle spanvergaderings. Nie een van hierdie professionele persone is veronderstel om slagoffers alleen te assesseer nie, want die assessering behoort toe fokus op die sosiale, mediese, sielkundige, regs, fisiese en materiële behoeftes van seksueel gemolesteerde kinders. Dit is verder noodsaaklik dat maatskaplike werkers bewus sal wees van hoe hulle houdings, oortuigings, emosies, persepsies en gevoelens die effektiwiteit van hulle dienslewering aan hierdie kinders kan beïnvloed. Professionele persone behoort derhalwe oor die vaardigheid te beskik om met die nodige empatie en professionaliteit te reageer teenoor slagoffers. Met behulp van toepaslike professionele vaardighede kan die maatskaplike werker tydens intervensie 'n kindervriendelike omgewing tydens skep Dit sal die maatskaplike werker in staat stelom empaties te luister en gevoelens wat tydens onderhoude na vore kom te hanteer. Die toepassing van kognitiewe vaardighede sal die professionele persoon ontvanklik maak vir subtiele emosies en gevoelens van die kliënt en instaat stelom die vlak van hulle kognitiewe funksionering te assesseer. Die toepassing van teorie in die praktyk tydens intervensie is noodsaaklike omdat besluite en beoordelings tydens intervensie professioneel moet wees. Die maatskaplike werker benodig dus kennis van relevante perspektiewe, teorieë en modelle van maatskaplike werk wat vir die doel benut kan word. Die studie bied sodanige raamwerk aan wat as riglyne vir maatskaplike werkers kan dien en gebruik kan word om gevalle van seksuele molestering van kinders te bestuur.

This study sets out to explore the perceptions of life orientation teachers of child sexual abuse (CSA) in primary schools. Teachers in this study consist of a selection of Life Orientation teachers who are normally involved in the management of CSA. Child sexual abuse is a widespread problem in schools not only in South Africa, but internationally. The topic is relevant today because child sexual abuse has many negative, physical, emotional, psychological and educational consequences. One of the most significant problems children face today is the threat of sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse is a global phenomenon that is regarded as one of the greatest social problems of the 21st century. Learners are at risk of sexual abuse by teachers, scholar patrollers, family members and community members. Child sexual abuse in schools is defined by the study as the unwelcome contact or non-contact sexual behaviour on a learner. There is a perception that most victims of child sexual abuse are young children and do not report sexual abuse because they are afraid to expose their perpetrators. The study will benefit children in primary schools at informal settlements and in Gauteng East because learners will be equipped with information that child sexual abuse is against their rights and perpetrators must be reported without fear. Most child sexual abuse is not reported; detected or prosecuted hence as a priority we must identify and protect children who are being sexually abused or are at risk of sexual abuse. My choice of qualitative approach was influenced by the work I am doing presently at school. The researcher used pseudonyms not actual names when describing schools’ names. I am working as a teacher at a Primary School in Slovo-Park, Springs, in Gauteng East, Gauteng Province. In this study, the design and methods on perceptions of selected stakeholders on child sexual abuse are discussed. The study explains why the explorative qualitative research design and interpretative paradigm were adopted to assess the perceptions of the participants on child sexual abuse. The researcher explains the interview technique as a data gathering tool used. In addition, the description of the ethical considerations that guided the researcher during data collection from the participants is described. The study focused on a small number of 9 Life Orientation teachers in order to provide in-depth, detailed information about perceptions of sexual abuse in schools. In this study the researcher used Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system’s model. These systems are; (1) The Microsystem; (2) The Mesosystem; (3) Exosystem ;( 4) The Macro system; (5) Chronosystem. These interrelated contexts as well as the individual setting can therefore be used to form an understanding of the contexts and settings involved in forming the perceptions of Life Orientation teachers. The researcher used purposive sampling to select both schools and participants. In addition, from each school three (3) Life Orientation teachers were selected making a total of 9 participants from the schools. Data was collected from 9 participants, namely 9 Life Orientation teachers selected purposefully because these teachers are mainly involved in life skills and Life Orientation and were trained in the area and they have continuous contact and knowledge of learners who may be at risk of child sexual abuse. Findings indicate that child sexual abuse impacts negatively on the emotional health, physical health, and academic achievement of the abused learner. / Educational Foundations / M. Ed. (Socio-Education)

Text in Afrikaans / The aim of this study was to compile a programme to prepare the child in a children's home for family re-unification. An extensive study of relevant literature was conducted and included works on subjects such as the middle childhood years, the child in the children's home, family re-unification, the Gestalt approach and Gestalt play techniques. An empirical study was undertaken with semi structured interviews with social workers and family re-unification workers. From these resources some themes were identified to be included in the programme. Conclusions and suggestions were made in the interest of the implementation of the programme. / Social Work / M.Diac.(Rigting: Spelterapie)

Text in Afrikaans / The aim of this study was to compile a programme to prepare the child in a children's home for family re-unification. An extensive study of relevant literature was conducted and included works on subjects such as the middle childhood years, the child in the children's home, family re-unification, the Gestalt approach and Gestalt play techniques. An empirical study was undertaken with semi structured interviews with social workers and family re-unification workers. From these resources some themes were identified to be included in the programme. Conclusions and suggestions were made in the interest of the implementation of the programme. / Social Work / M.Diac.(Rigting: Spelterapie)

From a feminist theology of praxis the appreciative inquiry used in this research reflected on the constituting role the living of values by facilitators play in transforming the lives of children who suffer the effects of poverty, neglect and abuse. The concretisation or the living of values within the school community linked with the theme of solidarity with the marginalised. The facilitators' solidarity with children as "concrete others" became ways of doing participatory ethics. As part of a postmodern paradigm, a social constructionist discourse made it possible for therapist-researcher and participants to view the facilitators' work and the research itself as part of a relational process. Appreciative inquiry invited a reflective stance towards action, relating and personal knowledge. The research also reflected on poststructuralist theory and practice, and the power of imagination and language to re-describe of the work of facilitators. / Practical Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology, with specialisation in Pastoral Therapy)