Wilderness therapy, the practice of sending troubled young people into nature in order to re-socialize them, poses a paradox. Time spent in wilderness is imagined to produce civilizing effects on young people, rendering them better prepared to live responsible and productive lives in society. Study of wilderness therapy, therefore, provides insight into constructions of youth and nature in contemporary American society. This thesis emerges from ethnographic research conducted at Camp E-Wen-Akee, a therapeutic camping program for troubled youth, in Benson, Vermont, USA. In addition to living with the three groups of campers in their rustic camp sites and engaging in camp activities, I facilitated two camper-run research projects, and interviewed camp staff members, and the state social workers responsible for sending adjudicated youth to residential programs. I find that camp life is an achievement of many heterogeneous actors, some of whom are human and others nonhuman. The resulting work is an ethnography of a nature-culture, wherein I describe how the camp mobilizes various resources to create the conditions for therapeutic change. The differing nature narratives of campers and the adults indicated that expectations for nature are at least in part, outcomes of class processes. Close attention to camp life shows that therapy is a social strategy brought into being at a number of scales: the material body, built and temporal architectures, landscape, and 'public' wilderness outside of camp's borders. I find at each scale a tension between the ordering tactics deployed by camp staff members and resistance posed by campers and 'nature' alike. Campers' identities are meant to change as a result o f repeated performances of prosocial behavior, and the on-going circulation of success stories. Together these practices underscore that what one person does always has effects on others. The irony uncovered i n this research is that while troubled youth are sent to a nature imagined as separate from society, Camp E-Wen-Akee provides young people with an ecological model for social life. Wilderness therapy is the outcome not of a separation between nature and society, but of ongoing relations between the two. / Arts, Faculty of / Geography, Department of / Graduate

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Close, personal relationships with adults are seen to contribute positively to the development of young people. Whilst mentoring has been established in other parts of the world, it is a relatively new concept in South Africa. The purpose of this study is to establish guidelines for the development of youth mentoring programmes. The literature study deals with the human development of youth during adolescence. Those factors, both within the family as well as in the environment, that affect the development of young people, are discussed. The phases of the mentoring process is also described. The Hearts of Men mentoring programme is used as an example of a youth mentoring programme that is based in the community. An exploratory and descriptive study was undertaken in order to describe the development of youth during adolescence. An empirical study was undertaken based on the literature review. A sample comprised of 18 young people participating in the Hearts of Men mentoring programme in the Strand was involved in the study. With the help of the empirical study the perception of the young people with regard to the mentor and mentee roles was examined. The findings of the study reveal that the young people in the Hearts of Men programme have a positive experience of the mentoring process and have an understanding of the mentor and mentee roles. In order to establish youth mentoring programmes, organisations must possess the knowledge of and skills in the mentoring process and must have an understanding of the human development of young people as well as of theories relating to their development. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Persoonlike verhoudings met volwasse persone word beskou as 'n positiewe bydraende faktor tot die ontwikkeling van jongmense. Terwyl mentorprogramme redelik gevestig is in ander dele van die wêreld, is dit 'n relatiewe nuwe konsep in Suid Afrika. Die doel van hierdie studie is om riglyne daar te stel vir die ontwikkeling van jeug mentorprogramme. Die literatuurstudie het gehandel oor die menslike ontwikkeling van jongmense gedurende adolessensie. Faktore binne die gesin, sowel as die omgewing, wat 'n invloed het op die ontwikkeling van die adolessent is bespreek. Die fases van die mentorproses is ook beskryf. Die Hearts of Men program is gebruik as 'n voorbeeld van 'n gemeenskapsgebaseerde jeug mentorprogram. 'n Verkennende-beskrywende studie is onderneem om die ontwikkeling van die adolessent gedurende adolessensie te beskryf. 'n Empiriese studie gegrond op die literatuurstudie is gedoen. 'n Steekproef, bestaande uit agtien jong deelnemers aan die Hearts of Men mentorprogram in die Strand, is by die ondersoek betrek. Met behulp van die empiriese ondersoek is die persepsies van die jong persone rakende die rol van die mentor en mentee in die mentorprogram ondersoek. Die bevindinge van die ondersoek toon dat die deelnemers aan die Hearts of Men mentorprogram 'n positiewe ervaring van die mentorproses ondervind, en dat hulle begrip toon ten opsigte van die rol van die mentor en mentee in die mentorprogram. Ten einde jeug mentorprogramme te implementeer, moet organisasies oor die kennis en vaardighede beskik rakende die mentorproses. Organisasies moet ook begrip toon rakende menslike ontwikkeling van jongmense, en kennis hê oor teorieë wat op hulle ontwikkeling betrekking het.

Thesis (MEd)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: “… education must seek to help pupils become morally just individuals” (Waghid, 2004b:535). South Africa, as a fairly young democracy, faces many challenges. Education of its youth into adults that can fulfil their obligations in a democratic society is but one of these challenges. A democracy can only be successful when a country’s citizens internalise basic values such as mutual respect and responsibility. Newspapers and news reports unfortunately tell of increasing moral decay amongst the youth of South Africa. In this research, various models of value education are critically evaluated in order to determine the best model for establishing values in the youth. Character education is discussed as a balanced and comprehensive approach to value education, and critical comments on the Manifesto on Values, Education and Democracy attempt to show its relevance for value education in practice. The increase in social problems such as poverty, single-parent families and AIDS orphans, leads to an increase in “at-riskchildren” in South Africa. This study therefore also investigates possible ways in which teachers can contribute to instilling positive values in at-risk learners. The establishment, development and internalisation of values are a long and intricate process in which schools, parents and society are all important stakeholders. This research shows the importance of cooperation between all role players to instil values in South Africa’s young people and that the process of value education slowly but surely shows results. Key concepts: values, value education, character education, youth at risk / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: “Democratic citizenship requires that people cultivate mutual respect, warmth, friendship, trust, self-respect, dignity, generosity and compassion towards each other” (Waghid, 2004b:536). Suid-Afrika kom, as betreklik jong demokrasie, voor talle groot uitdagings te staan. Die opvoeding van die jeug tot volwassenes wat hulle plek in ’n demokratiese samelewing kan volstaan, is een van die uitdagings. ’n Demokrasie kan egter net slaag as basiese waardes soos respek en verantwoordelikheid by landsburgers geïnternaliseer is. Dagblaaie en nuusberigte skets ongelukkig ’n somber prentjie van morele verval onder die Suid-Afrikaanse jeug. In hierdie navorsing word verskillende modelle van waardeopvoeding krities geëvalueer, om te ondersoek watter model die beste resultate behoort te lewer in die vestiging van waardes by die jongmense van Suid-Afrika. Karakteropvoeding word bespreek as ’n gebalanseerde en omvattende benadering tot waardeopvoeding en die manifes oor waardes, opvoeding en demokrasie word krities bespreek om aan te toon in watter mate dit relevant is vir waardeopvoeding in die skoolpraktyk. Die toename van sosiale probleme soos armoede, enkelouer-gesinne en VIGS-wesies lei daartoe dat ’n toenemende aantal Suid-Afrikaanse kinders as risiko-leerders bekend staan. Daarom word in hierdie studie ook ondersoek ingestel na moontlike maniere waarop opvoeders positiewe waardes by risiko-leerders kan vestig. Die vestiging, ontwikkeling en internalisering van waardes is ’n langsame en ingewikkelde proses waarin die skool, ouers en die gemeenskap belangrike rolspelers is. Hierdie studie toon dat samewerking tussen die rolspelers baie belangrik is by die vestiging van waardes by Suid-Afrikaanse jongmense, en dat die proses van waardeopvoeding stadig maar seker resultate lewer. Trefwoorde: waardes, waardeopvoeding, karakteropvoeding, risiko-leerders

No description available.

Text in Afrikaans / The phenomenon which was studied in this research was alternative interaction methods. The research question was whether teachers could use these methods to address the problematic behaviour of learners in schools and to create a more positive attitude in learners. The question of a training program for teachers in this regard was also raised. The alternative interaction methods addressed in the literature was amongst others about addressing emotions that hinders the learners' learning process, addressing mild to serious misbehaviour and the positive encouragement of learners, as well as positive feedback given by teachers. The researcher herself used these methods on learners to see what their reaction was in this regard. Information was also gathered from teachers through questionnaires, focus groups and individual interviews. The conclusion was that the alternative interaction methods can be effective in addressing the problematic behaviour of learners and thus improve discipline. Learners' attitudes can also be influenced in a positive way when using these methods. Eventually it implies a higher level of job satisfaction for teachers. A training program was compiled for teachers to learn these alternative interaction methods and apply them in future as a contribution to Educational Psychology. / Educational Psychology / D.Ed. (Opvoedkundige Sielkunde)

Drug abuse is becoming an increasing problem in Kenya. A number of studies carried out in the country show that almost every Kenyan youngster at one time or another experiments with drugs, especially beer and cigarettes. The major cause of concern is that a significant proportion of these young people eventually get addicted posing a threat to their own health and safety, while creating difficulties for their families and the public at large into difficulties. This study sought to establish the current trend of drug abuse among students in Kenyan secondary schools, and to analyze the strategies used to address the problem. The ultimate aim was to propose a programme for prevention and intervention. The study is a descriptive survey. In view of this, the field survey method was adopted to collect quantitative and qualitative data, using questionnaires and interviews. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in data analysis, thus there was a mixed model research design approach to data analysis. The analysis of structured items was mainly done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The key findings from the study were that drug abuse among students is common; both boys and girls have abused drugs with the majority being in boys‟ schools; the greatest ratio of drug abusers to non-abusers among the sampled schools are aged between 20 and 22 years; there is a significant relationship between drug abuse and age, use of drugs by other family members and easy access to drugs. A variety of factors contribute to drug abuse with the majority of students citing curiosity, acceptance by peers and ignorance as to the dangers of drug abuse as the main reasons. Both the school administrators and teachers face a number of challenges in an attempting to curb drug abuse in schools. The study makes a number of recommendations for policy and further research. A number of guidelines are proposed for developing a programme for prevention and intervention. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Socio-Education)

Drug abuse is a very common problem these days; and this problem is especially rampant among the young people of South Africa. Early problems in family management, the antisocial behaviour of the child, and peer pressure and rejection ignite the early onset of substance abuse. Treatment programmes and therapeutic methods to treat chemical dependency are available and utilised, but the high relapse rate and lack of support from family members and dysfunctional families, as well as the fears and challenges expressed by in-patient youth about being reintegrated with their families and a lack of supporting literature in this regard remain a cause for concern and need to be considered by the social work profession in order to plan effective intervention strategies. In response to this situation a research project was undertaken with the purpose of exploring and describing the perceptions, expectations, fears and needs of chemically dependent youth in a rehabilitation centre about being integrated into their family systems in an attempt to forward recommendations to assist social workers in rendering effective therapeutic services to service users in rehabilitation centres who have a substance abuse problem. A qualitative approach was utilised following an explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. The study was conducted at an in-patient rehabilitation centre called the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Cullinan, Gauteng Province in South Africa. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. A sample of participants was selected by using purposive sampling from a population of service users in the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Centre who are chemically dependent. Data were analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (cited in Creswell, 2003). Guba‘s model (cited in Krefting, 1991) was employed for data verification. The research findings point to the fact that participants had both negative and positive perceptions about going back to their respective families. On the one hand, there were negative perceptions shared. These were founded on a feeling of worry about the fact that their families criticised them a lot or that their families would not accept that they had changed, would still treat them like addicts, and not trust them. Furthermore, they feared relapse, triggers in their environment and family members who were abusing a substance. On the other hand, some participants perceived the reintegration with their families, following treatment, in a positive light as they were looking forward to joining them again after being in v treatment for three months.They were excited about the fact that they had been granted an opportunity where they could show their families that they have changed and have the chance of starting a new life. Moreover, part of the research findings point to the fact that some of the participants‘ families had already organised employment, a place for them to stay and financial assistance. From the research findings it became clear that the participants harboured the following expectations towards the families with whom they were reuniting: They need the family‘s love and support; to trust them again: to mend severed relationships and spend quality time together; to provide practical and material help, and for the family to be educated on addiction and for the family to accompany them to aftercare. In terms of research findings directed at the site (i.e., the rehabilitation centre) where the research was conducted the participants indicated that they needed more activities, they would like their families to be part of their recovery process, and expressed the need for individual sessions apart from group sessions and aftercare services. In terms of recommendations it was apparent that community members, community organisations and the government sector need to develop and launch chemical substance abuse prevention and awareness programmes through various media, (i.e. articles in newspapers, magazines, talks and documentaries on radio and television, community gatherings and meetings in all communities). Moreover, it is recommended that parents should take responsibility for monitoring and countering substance abuse in their children. Families need to be empowered through talks, attending parenting skills training, workshops and group meetings. South Africa needs to develop a policy focusing on families. Furthermore, it is recommended that treatment centres need to provide individual sessions, family therapy, aftercare services and more extramural activities, if these are not included in their treatment regime. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Science)

Text in Afrikaans / The phenomenon which was studied in this research was alternative interaction methods. The research question was whether teachers could use these methods to address the problematic behaviour of learners in schools and to create a more positive attitude in learners. The question of a training program for teachers in this regard was also raised. The alternative interaction methods addressed in the literature was amongst others about addressing emotions that hinders the learners' learning process, addressing mild to serious misbehaviour and the positive encouragement of learners, as well as positive feedback given by teachers. The researcher herself used these methods on learners to see what their reaction was in this regard. Information was also gathered from teachers through questionnaires, focus groups and individual interviews. The conclusion was that the alternative interaction methods can be effective in addressing the problematic behaviour of learners and thus improve discipline. Learners' attitudes can also be influenced in a positive way when using these methods. Eventually it implies a higher level of job satisfaction for teachers. A training program was compiled for teachers to learn these alternative interaction methods and apply them in future as a contribution to Educational Psychology. / Educational Psychology / D.Ed. (Opvoedkundige Sielkunde)

Drug abuse is becoming an increasing problem in Kenya. A number of studies carried out in the country show that almost every Kenyan youngster at one time or another experiments with drugs, especially beer and cigarettes. The major cause of concern is that a significant proportion of these young people eventually get addicted posing a threat to their own health and safety, while creating difficulties for their families and the public at large into difficulties. This study sought to establish the current trend of drug abuse among students in Kenyan secondary schools, and to analyze the strategies used to address the problem. The ultimate aim was to propose a programme for prevention and intervention. The study is a descriptive survey. In view of this, the field survey method was adopted to collect quantitative and qualitative data, using questionnaires and interviews. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in data analysis, thus there was a mixed model research design approach to data analysis. The analysis of structured items was mainly done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The key findings from the study were that drug abuse among students is common; both boys and girls have abused drugs with the majority being in boys‟ schools; the greatest ratio of drug abusers to non-abusers among the sampled schools are aged between 20 and 22 years; there is a significant relationship between drug abuse and age, use of drugs by other family members and easy access to drugs. A variety of factors contribute to drug abuse with the majority of students citing curiosity, acceptance by peers and ignorance as to the dangers of drug abuse as the main reasons. Both the school administrators and teachers face a number of challenges in an attempting to curb drug abuse in schools. The study makes a number of recommendations for policy and further research. A number of guidelines are proposed for developing a programme for prevention and intervention. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Socio-Education)

Drug abuse is a very common problem these days; and this problem is especially rampant among the young people of South Africa. Early problems in family management, the antisocial behaviour of the child, and peer pressure and rejection ignite the early onset of substance abuse. Treatment programmes and therapeutic methods to treat chemical dependency are available and utilised, but the high relapse rate and lack of support from family members and dysfunctional families, as well as the fears and challenges expressed by in-patient youth about being reintegrated with their families and a lack of supporting literature in this regard remain a cause for concern and need to be considered by the social work profession in order to plan effective intervention strategies. In response to this situation a research project was undertaken with the purpose of exploring and describing the perceptions, expectations, fears and needs of chemically dependent youth in a rehabilitation centre about being integrated into their family systems in an attempt to forward recommendations to assist social workers in rendering effective therapeutic services to service users in rehabilitation centres who have a substance abuse problem. A qualitative approach was utilised following an explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. The study was conducted at an in-patient rehabilitation centre called the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Cullinan, Gauteng Province in South Africa. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. A sample of participants was selected by using purposive sampling from a population of service users in the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Centre who are chemically dependent. Data were analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (cited in Creswell, 2003). Guba‘s model (cited in Krefting, 1991) was employed for data verification. The research findings point to the fact that participants had both negative and positive perceptions about going back to their respective families. On the one hand, there were negative perceptions shared. These were founded on a feeling of worry about the fact that their families criticised them a lot or that their families would not accept that they had changed, would still treat them like addicts, and not trust them. Furthermore, they feared relapse, triggers in their environment and family members who were abusing a substance. On the other hand, some participants perceived the reintegration with their families, following treatment, in a positive light as they were looking forward to joining them again after being in v treatment for three months.They were excited about the fact that they had been granted an opportunity where they could show their families that they have changed and have the chance of starting a new life. Moreover, part of the research findings point to the fact that some of the participants‘ families had already organised employment, a place for them to stay and financial assistance. From the research findings it became clear that the participants harboured the following expectations towards the families with whom they were reuniting: They need the family‘s love and support; to trust them again: to mend severed relationships and spend quality time together; to provide practical and material help, and for the family to be educated on addiction and for the family to accompany them to aftercare. In terms of research findings directed at the site (i.e., the rehabilitation centre) where the research was conducted the participants indicated that they needed more activities, they would like their families to be part of their recovery process, and expressed the need for individual sessions apart from group sessions and aftercare services. In terms of recommendations it was apparent that community members, community organisations and the government sector need to develop and launch chemical substance abuse prevention and awareness programmes through various media, (i.e. articles in newspapers, magazines, talks and documentaries on radio and television, community gatherings and meetings in all communities). Moreover, it is recommended that parents should take responsibility for monitoring and countering substance abuse in their children. Families need to be empowered through talks, attending parenting skills training, workshops and group meetings. South Africa needs to develop a policy focusing on families. Furthermore, it is recommended that treatment centres need to provide individual sessions, family therapy, aftercare services and more extramural activities, if these are not included in their treatment regime. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Science)