<p>&nbsp / </p> <p>The Internet is now facilitating the provision of an increasing number of services. Thus, technology has become a more integrated part of people‟s daily routine. Some of these technologies include electronic communication, online banking, and shopping as well as electronic learning - to name but a few. However, for various reasons, such as limited formal education (which is a key promoter of reading and writing skills), access and skills, not everyone has an equal opportunity to benefit from the use of these technologies. The unequal distribution of opportunities of such nature is often broadly referred to as the <i><font size="3" face="Arial,Arial"><font size="3" face="Arial,Arial">digital divide</font></font><font size="3">. That is the gap between those who have access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and those who do not. One noted challenge that influences the use of ICT consists of socio-economic conditions, which together elicit high levels of poverty. An identified strategy for uplifting these areas was (and still is) entrepreneurship, notably small businesses. These small businesses however, generally have very short and mostly unsuccessful lives. As a result the government at all levels (national, provincial and local) has endeavoured to provide support to these businesses. Some of this support is provided through mediums, such as the Internet (here named &quot / electronic support&quot / ) to assist these small businesses. This support, which comes from government, is however, not being fully utilised by the intended beneficiaries. Thus, the small businesses are not benefiting from the support provided. Consequently, many are still experiencing a short and unsuccessful existence. This research thus analyses the small businesses in areas of the greater Cape Town, which are characterised by high levels of poverty and unemployment. <font size="3">Previous studies in these areas have reported the lack of ICT related skills, also known as electronic skills (e-skills), as one of the reasons for the low uptake of electronic support (e-support). This e-support is provided by various levels of government through selected agencies (service providers). In essence, this study is aimed at investigating the influence of e-skills in the access and use of the provided e-support by owners of small businesses. Considering that the lack of adequate e-skills has been identified as influencing the use of e-support, the study also aims to identify the e-skills needed to fully utilise the provided e-support. The approach to this investigation included a review of pertinent literature and devising a conceptual model. This model was then tested in the empirical setting of this study. This setting included: (i) Providers of e-support (various specialised government agencies) and (ii) the intended beneficiaries of this e-support, i.e. small businesses in the previously disadvantaged areas (PDAs) of the greater Cape Town. Through the use of case study methodology and face to face interviews, it was found that many small business owners were not able to appropriately use the provided e-support. This was due to their lack of e-skills, which resulted in their inability to use ICT. Additionally, some were unaware of the existence of the e-support or the service providers. During the review of pertinent literature done as part of the study, an e-skills framework was designed. The framework identified the e-skills considered necessary in order for small business owners to effectively utilise the provided e-support and other technologies. The e-skills framework suggested by this study could be used as a tool to assist: (i) The providers of e-support to understand the usage of their services and enable (ii) a more informed understanding of the need for appropriate e-skills among small business owners, in relation to their use of the provided e-support. Additionally, (iii) small business owners should be in a better position to recognise the benefits of using technology, especially the Internet. <font size="3">The contribution of this study is seen as twofold. Firstly, it should assist the providers and users of e-support. This is done by addressing the practical side of the provision and usage of these services. Secondly, the study contributes an informative e-skills framework related to the effective use of e-support. This study also furthers academic knowledge in the area of the investigation, and suggests further directions for research. Considering, the limited small business sample (only participants from three PDAs), the generalisation of this study is limited. This limitation does not however, influence the validity of this research, or the credibility of the findings. </font></font></font></i></p>

<p>&nbsp / </p> <p>The Internet is now facilitating the provision of an increasing number of services. Thus, technology has become a more integrated part of people‟s daily routine. Some of these technologies include electronic communication, online banking, and shopping as well as electronic learning - to name but a few. However, for various reasons, such as limited formal education (which is a key promoter of reading and writing skills), access and skills, not everyone has an equal opportunity to benefit from the use of these technologies. The unequal distribution of opportunities of such nature is often broadly referred to as the <i><font size="3" face="Arial,Arial"><font size="3" face="Arial,Arial">digital divide</font></font><font size="3">. That is the gap between those who have access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and those who do not. One noted challenge that influences the use of ICT consists of socio-economic conditions, which together elicit high levels of poverty. An identified strategy for uplifting these areas was (and still is) entrepreneurship, notably small businesses. These small businesses however, generally have very short and mostly unsuccessful lives. As a result the government at all levels (national, provincial and local) has endeavoured to provide support to these businesses. Some of this support is provided through mediums, such as the Internet (here named &quot / electronic support&quot / ) to assist these small businesses. This support, which comes from government, is however, not being fully utilised by the intended beneficiaries. Thus, the small businesses are not benefiting from the support provided. Consequently, many are still experiencing a short and unsuccessful existence. This research thus analyses the small businesses in areas of the greater Cape Town, which are characterised by high levels of poverty and unemployment. <font size="3">Previous studies in these areas have reported the lack of ICT related skills, also known as electronic skills (e-skills), as one of the reasons for the low uptake of electronic support (e-support). This e-support is provided by various levels of government through selected agencies (service providers). In essence, this study is aimed at investigating the influence of e-skills in the access and use of the provided e-support by owners of small businesses. Considering that the lack of adequate e-skills has been identified as influencing the use of e-support, the study also aims to identify the e-skills needed to fully utilise the provided e-support. The approach to this investigation included a review of pertinent literature and devising a conceptual model. This model was then tested in the empirical setting of this study. This setting included: (i) Providers of e-support (various specialised government agencies) and (ii) the intended beneficiaries of this e-support, i.e. small businesses in the previously disadvantaged areas (PDAs) of the greater Cape Town. Through the use of case study methodology and face to face interviews, it was found that many small business owners were not able to appropriately use the provided e-support. This was due to their lack of e-skills, which resulted in their inability to use ICT. Additionally, some were unaware of the existence of the e-support or the service providers. During the review of pertinent literature done as part of the study, an e-skills framework was designed. The framework identified the e-skills considered necessary in order for small business owners to effectively utilise the provided e-support and other technologies. The e-skills framework suggested by this study could be used as a tool to assist: (i) The providers of e-support to understand the usage of their services and enable (ii) a more informed understanding of the need for appropriate e-skills among small business owners, in relation to their use of the provided e-support. Additionally, (iii) small business owners should be in a better position to recognise the benefits of using technology, especially the Internet. <font size="3">The contribution of this study is seen as twofold. Firstly, it should assist the providers and users of e-support. This is done by addressing the practical side of the provision and usage of these services. Secondly, the study contributes an informative e-skills framework related to the effective use of e-support. This study also furthers academic knowledge in the area of the investigation, and suggests further directions for research. Considering, the limited small business sample (only participants from three PDAs), the generalisation of this study is limited. This limitation does not however, influence the validity of this research, or the credibility of the findings. </font></font></font></i></p>

BACKGROUND: The research deals with the effect of the Student Rag Community Service's (SRCS) Pick–A–Leader programme on adolescents in a disadvantaged community. The SRCS has been in existence for 30 years and the Student Representative Council of the North–West University: Potchefstroom Campus, has authorised them to promote voluntary ativities for charity in Potchefstroom and its surrounding areas. The SJGD annually presents various programmes to communities in Potchefstroom; however, these programmes have not thus far been formally evaluated. One of these projects is the Pick–A–Leader (PAL) programme which focuses on leadership– and skills development for adolescents in a disadvantaged community. This study concentrates on the evaluation of the PAL–programme. AIM: The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of the PAL–programme on the adolescents in a disadvantaged community. METHOD: The nature of the investigation was exploratory and descriptive. Mixed methodology was applied in this study. A quasi–experimental design was used in the form of a comparative pre– and post–test design. Focus groups and a number of measuring instruments were used to gather data. Participants in the experimental groups consisted of 45 grade 11 learners from 3 schools in a disadvantaged community of Potchefstroom. Members of the comparative groups also numbered 45 and were grade 11 learners from the same 3 schools as those in the experimental groups. RESULT: It was concluded that the SRCS PAL–programme had an effect on the adolescents. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

No description available.

Because of I am a woman the gender issues are very close to me. Different perceptions of men and women we can see all arend us. Attributing stereotypical roles may have influence for the society as a whole. Currently have these issues the more and more attention. I believe that this is a favorable time for a change. From the available sources it is clear that sex discrimination does exist. Women do not have the same conditions as men. The role of mother has not enough for them. They want to achieve their own successes. And the more successes they want to achieve, the more they are forced to overcome barriers. In the theoretical part, after studying literature and other sources, I'm trying to describe briefly the main ideas of feminism and its influence on the pursuit of equality between men and women. Attention was focused primarily on gender, describing the basic concepts, as shown in the society and what principles are used in practice in these issues. After then I examine the labor market and the discrimination that exists here. From the available literature, I found out what the position of women and men in the labor market and what types of discrimination women face. I described the legislative measures in the Czech Republic and European Union. The closing part of theoretical part I focused for the women in politics and leadership positions and barriers, which restrict them access to these realms. The practical part of my work is divided into two chapters. In the first chapter, I analyzed the situation on the labor market of Czech Republic in terms of women's representation in politics. Representation of women is very low. I expressed my opinion on the issue of equal representation of men and women in politics and quotas that could solve this situation. The second chapter is devoted of the research, in which I learned how the public perceived gender issues, whether they met with the discrimination on the labor market themselves and whether they agree with these positive measures like the correct solution for this problem. For gaining these datas, I chose the method of questionnaire survey, thanks to which I managed to get valid answers from 195 respondents. In the final part, I evaluated the results of the questionnaire and to suggested the recommendations how to resolve the current situation.

The aim of the diploma thesis is to determine the benefits and the function of the preparatory class for children from socially disadvantaged environment. The main criterion for the benefits of preparatory class will be the assessment of teachers and assistants of the preparatory class but also the assessment of the teachers from primary school, who had the experience with teaching children who participated in the preparatory class. This thesis is mainly focused on students from socially disadvantaged environment but it will also compare students from socially disadvantaged environment with students from regular environment. Preparatory classes in the Czech educational system and the participation of students from different social environment in these classes is described and characterized in the first part of the thesis and it presents the issue of the influence of preparatory year for the entry to primary school. The practical part of the thesis is focused on the assessment of benefits of preparatory classes from chosen teachers' point of view. The author will make interviews with pedagogical workers from chosen schools in Jihlava (the thesis will be partly case study and it will follow the bachelor thesis of the author). The quantitative data will be refilled with the information from quantitative research (questionnaires).

The purpose of the study was to identify the types of library services available in rural areas of Thohoyandou in order to recommend appropriate library services to disadvantaged children in rural areas of the Limpopo Province. Data were collected by means of structured questionnaires in a survey. The problems experienced in rendering library services to children, the factors influencing rural children's information use, and the role that school libraries play in meeting the needs of rural children were investigated. The findings show that rural children's information needs are primarily related to homework assignments. Teachers and learners approach people for information rather than making use of library resources for this purpose. This is due to the fact that most rural schools do not have libraries. Materials are stored in classrooms and storerooms. The existing book stock seems to be outdated, disorganised and inaccessible. Library service rendering is neglected. Most teacher-librarians are not professionally trained to render user services and to teach children information skills. Teachers, teacher-librarians, policy makers and administrators in rural schools seem to be indifferent to providing these services to children. / Information Science / M.A. (Information Science)

This study focuses on the identification of traditional and modern sociocultural factors revealed by traditionallyorientated (rural) and modern (urban) Vhavenda people that define the Vhavenda cultural context, and establishes how the Vhavenda view giftedness from their own sociocultural perspective. The literature study reveals that Vhavenda school children are disadvantaged with regard to socioeconomic level, education and geographic isolation. Definitions of intelligence were reviewed as well as those of giftedness that consider sociocultural perspectives. An idiographic, qualitative study was conducted with informants from rural and urban areas. Results show that the sociocultural context of both traditional and modern Vhavenda is characterised by modern rather than traditional sociocultural factors which influence the development, nurturance and manifestation of giftedness in Vhavenda children. Vhavenda learners (13-15 years old) revealed some frequently observed characteristics of giftedness. Consequently, some identification measures of disadvantaged gifted children hold promise for the identification of gifted Vhavenda learners. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

Made available in DSpace on 2018-06-04T19:14:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-08-31 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Introdução: As intervenções baseadas em mindfulness podem ser efetivas para tratamento complementar das cefaleias primárias em populações socialmente vulneráveis. Este estudo com mulheres da maior favela do Ceará, no Nordeste do Brasil, verificou os efeitos de uma IBM em mulheres com cefaleia crônica sob risco social. Método: Estudo de eficácia preliminar, exploratório, quasi-experimental, de abordagem mista (quanti e qualitativa), que avaliou o impacto de uma IBM em mulheres usuárias do SUS com relação à incapacidade nas atividades da vida diária (Midas) decorrente da cefaleia crônica (desfecho primário), além de variáveis secundárias como nível de mindfulness, injustiça percebida e autocompaixão. Uma intervenção com acupuntura foi o grupo controle ativo. Resultados: O perfil das participantes foi: (44,5%) casadas; (51,3%) com até 2 filhos; (63,9%) nível fundamental; (53,8%) com renda de 1 a 2 salários-mínimos e (72,21%) com cefaleia crônica, sendo (63,3%) enxaqueca e (8,8%) cefaleia de tensão. A cefaleia está associada à baixa escolaridade, à baixa renda familiar (p<0,05) e a eventos emocionais negativos na vida. Nos autorrelatos, foram categorizados quatro determinantes sociais de saúde causadores de distress psicológico: papel social da mulher na comunidade; busca recorrente aos serviços de saúde; abuso de medicamentos e estratégias de enfrentamento disfuncionais. O distress psicológico estava na base das crises recorrentes de cefaleia. Na comparação dentro dos grupos IBM e acupuntura, IBM promoveu diminuição no nível da incapacidade da cefaleia indicado pelos autorrelatos, mas não por Midas; aumento da autocompaixão (p<0,05); aumento de do nível de mindfulness (p<0,05), enquanto que acupuntura promoveu diminuição apenas em Midas (p<0,05). Houve diminuição da injustiça percebida em ambos os grupos, mas não estatisticamente significante (p>0,05). Na comparação entre grupos, IBM apresentou níveis maiores de autocompaixão e de mindfulness que no grupo acupuntura, com diferença estatisticamente significante (p<0,05). Houve correlações estatisticamente significantes entre Midas e injustiça percebida (p<0,001) e Midas e mindfulness (p<0,05). No modelo de regressão, apenas injustiça percebida influenciou Midas (p<0,001), corroborando os autorrelatos que destacaram esse sentimento negativo na gênese da cefaleia. Considerações finais e Conclusão e: Esse é o primeiro estudo em nível internacional a avaliar os efeitos de uma IBM em população de mulheres com cefaleia crônica e vulneráveis socialmente, comparados com os da acupuntura. As duas intervenções foram efetivas para a redução da incapacidade da cefaleia, sendo que atuando através de mecanismos distintos. Os resultados sugerem que IBM influenciou positivamente a dor através de processos mentais e emocionais (controle atencional, consciência corporal e regulação emocional), o que não ocorreu em relação ao grupo acupuntura. Os efeitos da IBM e da acupuntura na cefaleia crônica das participantes demonstraram preliminar potencial eficácia de práticas mente-corpo em populações vulneráveis socioeconomicamente. / Introduction: Mindfulness-based interventions may be effective for complementary management of primary headaches in socially vulnerable populations. This study with women from the largest favela in Ceará, Northeast Brazil, verified the effects of an IBM in women with chronic headache at social risk. Method: Preliminary, exploratory, quasi-experimental, mixed-approach (quantitative and qualitative) efficacy study evaluating the impact of an IBM on women users of SUS in relation to the disability in daily life activities (Midas) due to chronic headache (Primary outcome), as well as secondary variables such as level of mindfulness, perceived injustice and self-pity. One intervention with acupuncture was the active control group. Results: The participants' profile was: (44.5%) married; (51.3%) with up to 2 children; (63.9%) fundamental level; (53.8%) with income of 1 to 2 minimum wages and (72.21%) with chronic headache, being (63.3%) migraine and (8.8%) tension headache. Headache is associated with low schooling, low family income (p <0.05) and negative emotional events in life. In the self-reports, four social determinants of health that caused psychological distress were categorized: the social role of women in the community; Recurrent search for health services; Drug abuse and dysfunctional coping strategies. Psychological distress was at the basis of recurrent headache crises In the comparison within the IBM groups and acupuncture, IBM promoted a decrease in the level of headache inability indicated by self-reported but not by Midas; Increased self-pity (p <0.05); Increased level of mindfulness (p <0.05), whereas acupuncture promoted a decrease only in Midas (p <0.05). There was a decrease in perceived injustice in both groups, but not statistically significant (p> 0.05). In the comparison between groups, IBM presented higher levels of self-pity and mindfulness than in the acupuncture group, with a statistically significant difference (p <0.05). There were statistically significant correlations between Midas and perceived injustice (p <0.001) and Midas and mindfulness (p <0.05). In the regression model, only perceived injustice influenced Midas (p <0.001), corroborating the self-reports that highlighted this negative feeling in the genesis of headache. Final considerations and conclusions: This is the first international study to evaluate the effects of an IBM on a population of women with chronic and socially vulnerable headache compared to acupuncture. The two interventions were effective in reducing the incapacity of headache, and acting through different mechanisms. The results suggest that IBM positively influenced pain through mental and emotional processes (attention control, body awareness and emotional regulation), which did not occur in relation to the acupuncture group. The effects of IBM and acupuncture on chronic headache of the participants demonstrated preliminary potential efficacy of mind-body practices in socioeconomically vulnerable populations. / BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

Thesis (MTech(Information Technology)) --Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012 / Due to the legacy of apartheid South Africa is facing developmental discrepancies with inequalities between the advantaged few in the more urban areas and the disadvantaged majority in the rural areas. With quality education being key, not only to the success of an individual but of a country’s development, efforts have been made to ensure equal access for all. ICT is seen as a key enabler to this end. The study investigated the status of ICT deployment and its integration into curricula in schools. The objective was to understand the factors affecting the efforts to achieve successful implementation of ICT integration into schools in underdeveloped areas, to understand the challenges that exist and ultimately, to inform solutions. A qualitative study was conducted, using a case study method. A purposive sampling method was used to select population elements; educators and school coordinators of ICT programs in Western Cape schools (i.e. Kulani Secondary, Sithembele Matiso Secondary, Macassar Secondary and Marvin Park Primary). To gain an understanding of the status quo, literature was explored and semi-structured interviews were conducted with ICT coordinators and educators within the 4 sampled schools. Activity theory was used to provide an analytical framework for the study. Through this framework the aims and objectives of the study were conceptualized and summarized to form a graphical representation of the phenomena under study. In spite of efforts to ensure universal access to ICT, the findings indicate that the status of ICT deployment and its integration into school curricula is far from favourable in underdeveloped schools.