OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Atmore, Eric"

Browsing by Author "Atmore, Eric"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 27

Open Access
“A study of the reading practices of parents with young children in Mitchell’s Plain.”
(2019) Lister, Katherine; Atmore, Eric
This study “A study of the reading practices of parents with young children in Mitchell’s Plain” was conducted through a sample of five early childhood development (ECD) centres in Mitchell’s Plain. The study adopted a sequential transformative mixed method research design. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the five ECD centres and from that sample convenience sampling was used to select the interview participants. The quantitative data comprised of 137 completed questionnaires and the qualitative data was collected through 14 face-to-face interviews. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to guide the faceto-face interviews. Main findings: While 99% of parents felt that reading with children is important only 7% of respondents report reading with their children on a daily basis. Parents are aware of the importance and developmental benefits of reading, but do not seem to be making the time to read frequently. Overall, only 30% of respondents are reading once a week or more with their children. A statistically significant correlation between reading frequency and number of readers was found as well as frequency of library visits and reading frequency. Most of the respondents (64%) reported having between one and ten books at home while there were 8% who do not have a single book at home. No statistically significant correlation was found between number of books or parental education and reading frequency. The barriers that are preventing parents from reading with their children were found to be a lack of time, financial, environmental and personal challenges as well as libraries not being open on the weekend. Alliteracy and a lack of personal motivation to read was also found to be a barrier to book sharing. Very few parents of the participants interviewed had heard of or been involved with literacy organisations but past experiences with reading seemed to have a positive influence on their current reading practices. Main recommendations: ECD centres are uniquely placed to be able to inform, encourage and monitor frequent book sharing. ECD centres should therefore be trained in the importance of early book sharing and in turn provide training and support for their parents. Furthermore, if ECD centres were equipped with libraries that parents who found accessing the local library a challenge they would be able to offer parents an invaluable resource. Investing in local libraries so that they are able to offer extended operating hours on the weekend and more resources for children under five years old is also recommended. Parenting programmes in various forms are also recommended to provide parents with the information and support needed to encourage frequent book sharing
Open Access
An exploratory study into the experiences and challenges of founders of non-profit organisation in the Western Cape with specific reference to fundraising
(2023) Schuller, Raymond; Atmore, Eric
New Non-profit Organisations (NPOs) are being registered daily. They are established by passionate individuals committed to providing critical services in support of the national development agenda and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They therefore form an integral part of a broader ecosystem to ensure a just, equitable and fair society. Unlike for-profit enterprises, donor funding constitutes the single largest source of income for most NPOs. Because of the high levels of donor dependency by many NPOs, fundraising becomes critical and very often the most challenging activity for many NPOs. Given the fundraising challenges and volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) environments in which NPOs operate, this exploratory research study reflects on the motivations why founders of NPOs based in the Western Cape started NPOs and their experience and challenges with respect to sustaining these organisations. In particular, it explores: • The main motivations and rationale by founders to start NPOs; • The fundraising experience of founders; • The extent to which founders of NPOs prioritised fundraising; and • How the fundraising role and practice evolved over time The study examined several texts on the motivation and fundraising experience of founders of NPOs as part of a literature review. The research question and methodology is based on this literature review. Non-probability purposive sampling was used for this research study. Twenty founders of NPOs based in the Western Cape participated in the study using a semistructured interview schedule. Ethics clearance for the study was received from the University of Cape Town, Department of Social Development. The dissertation expands on existing knowledge regarding motivations for registering NPOs and the levels of personal investment required by founders. It makes a number of findings with the respect to fundraising as a strategic competency and the importance of fundraising capability. The study confirms that very few founders have prior fundraising and NPO experience and that fundraising is not significantly prioritised as a strategic imperative. I intend for some of the findings to serve as guidance to individuals planning to start a new NPO, of the important role of fundraising which can ultimately ensure the long-term sustainability of the organisation they plan to launch. The research study concludes with a set of recommendations prospective founders could consider when contemplating starting a new NPO.
Open Access
An exploratory study of the Financial Sustainability of the Non-Profit Sector in Lesotho
(2019) Malebo, Moroesi; Atmore, Eric
The non-profit sector plays a significant role in development in Lesotho. The sustainability of the NPOs is important; however, there is limited research on Lesotho’s non-profit sector, in particular, on its financial sustainability. This study has explored the financial sustainability of the non-profit sector in Lesotho in particular, the factors that affect the sustainability of non-profit organisations. A qualitative methodology was adopted which used a semi-structured interview guide. The data was collected primarily through in-depth interviews with 20 Non-Profit organizations based in Maseru, Lesotho. The sample was selected from organizations, which were registered with the Lesotho Council of Non-governmental Organizations. Purposive sampling, which used a non-probability sampling method, was chosen to select the 20 NPOs that participated in this study. The data was analysed and presented thematically according to the main research objectives. The findings revealed that the financial sustainability of Non-Profit Organizations in Lesotho is severely challenged. NPOs depend on donor funding as a major source of funding. The NPOs founded locally had a greater struggle to get funding than the international NPOs which were guaranteed the support of their international organizations. The sustainability of these NPOs was threatened by several factors, however, Lesotho’s political instability was a threat to all Non-profit organizations’ sustainability because it resulted in the withdrawal of external donor funding. The findings revealed that donor funding has dwindled over the past couple of years. Nevertheless, international donors were still the most consistent sources of funding for the NPOs in Lesotho. All the NPOs in this study received international donor funding. Only a few that received government grants, which was also very unsatisfactory. The data also revealed that the NPOs struggled to raise sufficient funds and the majority did not have staff who were devoted to fundraising. Key recommendations are that: the NPOs in Lesotho need to explore other income generating activities to improve their financial sustainability; they also need to strengthen their fundraising capacity by training their staff in fundraising; and, lastly, they need to improve their online presence, as the internet has become an important fundraising tool.
Open Access
An exploratory study of the governance and management processes of family foundations in South Africa
(2020) Najjaar, Sufiya; Atmore, Eric
Family foundations are important vehicles that make a positive impact in society both locally and globally and can be a unifying force in which family members can work together for a common altruistic purpose. The same governance and management principles that are applied by families in family businesses should also pertain to family foundations. In the United States (U.S.) there exists various organisations that serve to guide family foundations with best practices on foundation governance and management principles. In South Africa much less information is available to family foundations. This research study explores the governance and management processes of family foundations in South Africa. I reviewed extensive literature on the governance structures and management processes of family foundations particularly in the U.S. Based on the literature review and the research questions, a suitable research methodology was selected. A convergent parallel mixed method approach was used. Ethics clearance was obtained from the University of Cape Town and a sample of ten family foundations was purposively selected to be part of the study. Data was collected from 15 respondents, eight of whom were non-family members and seven were family members related to the founding donor. A semi-structured interview schedule was used and the same research participants completed a survey. The data was analysed using Tesch's (1990) adaptation for data analysis. The contribution that this study makes is an enhanced understanding of the governance and management processes of family foundations in South Africa and the challenges that some face in this regard. The study makes a number of findings including: Family foundations felt that the fiduciary duties and responsibilities, fiscal oversight and internal controls were duly executed. Family foundations were satisfied that the board knew enough about investment principles, however environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices was not high on the agenda for most family foundations; family foundation boards were diverse in terms of gender, age, expertise and experience but were not racially diverse; in some instances there was conflict between family members but this did not stand in the way of foundation performance; decision making was collaborative and most often made by consensus; legacy was not important for all family foundations. Most family foundations thought they had a clear grant making strategy with some family foundations including newer generations values and ideas into grant making. Based on these findings, the research study concludes by making recommendations for family foundations to improve governance and management processes.
Open Access
An exploratory study of the social and economic experiences of Zimbabwean youth immigrants in Cape Town
(2011) Masendu,Tatenda Vanessa; Atmore, Eric
This study explored the experiences of Zimbabwean youth when they migrate to Cape Town and the impact of this migration on Zimbabwe's social development. The immigrants in Cape Town, in Khayelitsha and Summer Greens were interviewed. The study was carried out with a sample of seventeen immigrants. It adopted a qualitative, exploratory approach using a semi-structured interview schedule for face-to-face interviews with the immigrants. Snowball sampling was used in this study. Since a large number of people are migrating from Zimbabwe to South Africa, this study was motivated to discover the reasons behind the migration trends. As a Zimbabwean, I wanted to understand what my fellow people are experiencing and have better knowledge of their situations. The findings revealed the following: The absence of convincing answers to the challenging questions about the Zimbabwean situation highlights a lack of realism and failure of leadership within South Africa on the crucial issues of regional migration. There has been an increase in pressure on public services, difficulties in social integration, unemployment and xenophobia. It is not possible to draw any hard conclusions as to how representative this group of respondents is in terms of the general population of Zimbabweans currently in South Africa. As such, it is not possible to make simple extrapolations from this data in relation to the estimated one million plus Zimbabweans that are currently believed to be in South Africa. The main recommendations emerging from this study are: There is need to support the establishment of an institutional and legal framework for the development and implementation of a national strategy for migration and development. A well-managed immigration policy that facilitates and one that is open to contribution, by the public, thus making migration issues more people-centered by having a platform whereby immigrants can present their sentiments is needed. It is essential that every aspect of migration issues; humanitarian, emergency, economic and political should be managed with the decisiveness and effectiveness that brings public confidence.
Open Access
An Exploratory Study of Western Cape Province NonProfit Organisations response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
(2022) Tinnion, Charlotte; Atmore, Eric
This study focuses on the response of NPOs to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main research questions focus on the role of NPO leaders and management in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The effect of COVID-19 on the organisations' operations, focusing on service delivery, staff and finances are explored. The study looks at the lessons learned by the NPO sector considering the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on factors that enabled NPOs to survive (protective factors) and factors that placed NPOs at risk of closure (risk factor). Change Management Theory and Organisation Resilience Theory are used as two theoretical frameworks that underpin the study. The research paradigm of the study is qualitative and the research design and method is exploratory. The exploratory nature of qualitative research was selected given that the COVID-19 pandemic is a recent and hitherto minimally research area with limited information. Twenty participants who held senior leadership positions were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Due to social distancing regulations, the majority of the interviews were conduct via 45 minute zoom sessions. The data collected was analysed using Tesch's data analysis model. The method of data analysis applied was thematic analysis. The data collected was analysed using Tesch's data analysis model. The study findings include that the COVID-19 crisis has provided an opportunity for NPOs to strategise for growth opportunities and to rethink services and programmes. NPOs with poor crisis and risk management strategies and practices were most at risk of closure during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, NPOs have proved to have resilience in their ability to pivot and adapt services and programmes. Emotional support for staff combined with staff passion fostered a collective organisation culture of teamwork and commitment to their jobs despite the challenges and in some cases, reduced salaries. Integrating technology in service delivery was crucial for NPO survival. During a crisis, a hybrid model of online and face-to-face services can be provided and may be the new normal of rendering services. Donor fatigue is a concern considering the financial shocks from the external environment and marked by the economic downturn in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study concludes by providing five suggestions for future research, namely, 1) the cost-benefit of rendering services online, 2) donor fatigue, 3) Government support offered to NPOs during the COVID-19 pandemic, 4) compulsory COVID-19 vaccination in the workplace and 5) the integration of technology in poor socio-economic environment.
Open Access
An investigation into the impact of COVID 19 on non-profit organisations in Cape Town
(2023) Sidimba, Luzuko; Atmore, Eric
The outbreak of the pandemic had a severe impact on every sector, including the NPO sector. This research has investigated the impact of COVID-19 on non-profit organisations (NPOs) in Cape Town. Due to the unprecedented nature of this crisis, there is limited literature on how the pandemic has affected non-profit organisations in South Africa or in Cape Town. This research seeks to contribute to closing this gap. The main objectives of this research are as follows: Firstly, to understand the challenges imposed by the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, mostly known as COVID-19, on NPOs' access to funding, which subsequently resulted due to the lockdown restrictions. Secondly, to understand the challenges imposed by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in the operations and the ability of NPOs to implement programmes. Thirdly, to understand the role of NPO leadership during the lockdown restriction levels. Finally, to understand what strategies were implemented by NPOs to mitigate the challenge imposed by lockdown restrictions. This is a mixed methodology research study, and purposive sampling was used to select participants in this research study. The research study has used quantitative and qualitative research methods when collecting data. Survey questionnaires were emailed to 70 NPOs, 28 of which completed the questionnaire. For the qualitative data collection, 34 NPOs were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews, 12 of which participated. Some of the interviews were conducted virtually using Google Meet and Microsoft Teams, and other interviews were conducted face-to-face. All coronavirus regulations were observed. The research has found that the virus lockdown restrictions had a severe impact on the financial stability of organisations. The lockdown restrictions have made it impossible for organisations to generate revenue. On the other hand, the lockdown restrictions have challenged organisational leaders to improve their technological skills, as they were forced to run their organisations through virtual platforms. Employees in all sectors, including the NPO sector, were forced to work remotely as a way of adhering to the lockdown regulations. Be that as it may, organisational leaders who were interviewed for this research study highlighted their staffs' hard work during the initial phases of the lockdown regulations, and for their role in the resilience of organisations since the outbreak of the pandemic. Finally, having strategic plans prior to the outbreak of the pandemic have been found to be effective during the initial phases of the lockdown, especially when it comes to guiding the decision-making process. Organisations were able to use their existing strategic plan to decide which programmes needed to be prioritised.
Open Access
Challenges Faced by Start-up Non-Profit Organisations in South Africa
(2021) McIntyre, Cailley; Atmore, Eric
This research study explores ‘Challenges faced by Non-Profit Organisations in South Africa'. The study was informed by a qualitative approach and an exploratory design. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect the data, with participants selected from twenty purposively sampled NPOs. A semi-structured interview schedule was utilised and data was analysed using Tesch's (1990) process for data analysis. Ethical clearance was received from the Department of Social Development at the University of Cape Town. The research study found that NPOs do face a number of challenges that are prevalent in their start-up phase, relating to organisation leadership, financial sustainability and resource management. Organisation leadership challenges revolve around a lack of leadership, knowledge, experience and/or skill; managing and monitoring service delivery; the impact of the pressure to survive; and growth complications. Challenges in terms of financial sustainability and navigating the funding landscape pertain to are donor attraction; fundraising knowledge; donor relationships and the power dynamics; donor perceptions; the impact of sources of funding; and the influence of immediate survival needs on long-term planning and sustainability. Resource management is also a challenge in terms of physical and human resources, such as staffing, role ambiguity, cost of salaries and the effect of reliance on alternative streams of income, the tension between the finances available and the quality and/or experience of the person that the NPO is able to afford, and the impact of high staff turnover. Any one of these challenges can cause start-up NPOs to become vulnerable, unsustainable and likely to fail. The contribution that this study makes to knowledge building is an enhanced evaluation of the challenges that NPOs face in South Africa, and the factors that they may employ to mitigate these challenges and increase their likelihood of success. It recommends practical alternatives to the way that NPOs operate in terms of organisational leadership and financial sustainability, that may improve their chances of survival and success. The main recommendations talk to the need for consulting, in-depth reviewing of the NPO landscape, partnerships and collaboration, and financial self-sufficiency.
Open Access
A critical analysis of preschool educare in South Africa : towards effective provision for the preschool child
(1989) Atmore, Eric; Tshabalala, Mandla
This study is a critical analysis of educare policy in South Africa with recommendations towards effective provision for the preschool child. The need for a radically revised policy, structure and provision system is based on the inadequacies, inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the present system. A quantitative descriptive research design is used in which use is made predominantly of secondary data and field experience of the writer. Data collection was hindered by the lack of information available and the reluctance of certain authorities to provide information as requested. The historical development of educare in South Africa is outlined. Legislation which, impacts on educare is recorded and the present education and care policies and structures are described. The extent of educare provision is quantified focusing on who is provided for and who is not. Gil's (1981) framework for Analysis and Synthesis of Social Policies is used in analysing educare policy within the Social Planning and Administration paradigm. The study contends that there is no clear unitary discernible educare policy in existence and this has resulted in fragmented structures controlling educare in this country. Particular attention is made to the ideological and value underpinnings of educare policy, structure and provision. The result is an array of services which are uncoordinated and inadequate in terms of the need and demand. The study concludes by making recommendations aimed at eliminating the inadequacies highlighted. A radically revised educare policy is proposed. A three-tier structure with defined responsibilities and functions at each level is suggested. It is the writers belief that implementation of these recommendations will contribute to the solution of problems faced in the educare field today.
Open Access
A critical examination of the legislative and policy framework governing ECD service provision in South Africa since 1994.
(2012) Campbell, Paula; Atmore, Eric
The dissertation begins with a critical analysis of the historical and political context as regards ECD that was inherited by the ANC government of 1994. It moves on from there to examine the various plans, policies and legislation shaping ECD service provision between 1994 and the introduction of the National Integrated Plan for ECD in South Africa in 2005.
Open Access
An exploratory study of branding techniques used by registered Western Cape, [sic] development and housing non-profit organisations
(2012) Rehse, Kerryn Lynn; Atmore, Eric
This purpose of this research study was to explore the marketing and branding techniques used by registered Western Cape, [sic] development and housing non-profit organisations. Utilising a qualitative research design, two forms of qualitative data collection methods were used. Data was collected through a self-administered electronic questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. The electronic questionnaire was designed using an online survey tool (ESurveyPro). The tools were used to exploretheperceptions of marketing and branding held by management in the development and housing non-profit sector in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The population for this research study was registered non-profit organisations that operated in the development and housing sector in the Western Cape Province.
Open Access
An exploratory study of early childhood development teacher attitudes towards parent involvement in early childhood development centres in Athlone
(2014) Abdu, Hannatu Aishatu; Atmore, Eric
This study aimed to explore early childhood development teacher attitudes towards parent involvement in early childhood development centres. The researcher aimed to gain an understanding of how ECD teachers describe their roles within the ECD centres, their perception of parent involvement in ECD centres, the ways in which ECD teachers involve parents within the ECD centre, to know the factors influencing parent involvement within the ECD centres and teachers needs for further support in parent involvement. The study was undertaken in Athlone with the aim to using the results to highlight areas that need improvement within ECD centres.
Open Access
An exploratory study of parent involvement in early childhood development centres in Masiphumelele, Cape Town
(2015) Dube, Primrose Sikhanyiso; Atmore, Eric
This study explored parent involvement in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Masiphumelele, Cape Town. The researcher aimed to gain an understanding of the following; how parents are involved in Early Childhood Development centres, factors that enhance parent involvement in ECD centres, factors that hinder parent involvement in ECD centres and challenges faced by parents in getting involved in ECD centres. This research study adopted a qualitative, exploratory approach using a semi-structured interview schedule. The researcher used non-probability, purposive sampling to select the participants. Nineteen participants were interviewed using an interview schedule as a guide. The data collected was analyzed using Tesch's (1990) method of analysis. The research findings revealed that even though there are parents who participate in activities taking place at ECD centres, there is still lack of parent involvement in ECD centres. The thesis affirms that unity among parents, take-home activities, hosting general parent meetings, effective communication between parents and ECD staff especially teachers, parent days, hosting parent workshops, adopting a positive attitude towards parents, parent class visits and adequate physical space are factors that enhance parent involvement in ECD centres. Evidence from the research study show that lack of time, single parenthood, lack of interest, lack of education, poverty and unemployment are factors that inhibit parent involvement in ECD centres. According to the research findings, challenges that parents face in getting involved are; coping, trust issues, participation in education activities, provision of basic needs and payment of ECD centre fees. The study recommends that ECD centres should initiate parent involvement programmes so that parents gain skills and self-confidence. Parents are then more likely to be involved in their children's education.
Open Access
An exploratory study of support given to caregivers at non-profit organisations based in Cape Town, South Africa
(2013) Jatoonah, Sandra Sherila; Atmore, Eric
In this study, the researcher investigated the types of support available to, and needed by, caregivers employed by non-profit organisations (NPOs) based in Cape Town, South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were done with caregivers and caregiver supervisors from four different NPOs based in Cape Town. The interviews were done on a face-to-face basis and included mostly open-ended questions. 23 caregivers, including 2 male and 21 female caregivers, as well as 4 caregiver supervisors were interviewed. Through qualitative data analysis using Tesch’s approach (1990 in De Vos, Strydom, Fouché and Delport 2002), it was found that caregivers were supported by the NPOs they work for. Caregivers had social support from other staff such as social workers, supervisors and other colleagues. The caregivers also had access to training facilities from their NPOs and from the National Association for Child Care Workers (NACCW). Moreover, three out of the four NPOs participating in the study had transport facilities for caregivers to take children to school and other places. The NPOs also organised occasional recreational activities for caregivers. Caregivers were dissatisfied with their salary level and other financial rewards were not common. All the NPOs tried to provide some form of counselling or listening service for caregivers.
Open Access
An exploratory study of the challenges and opportunities that early childhood development centre principles experience in providing services to children in Gugulethu Township, Cape Town
(2014) Muswala, Kapalu; Atmore, Eric
This research project, entitled 'An exploratory study of the challenges and opportunities that early childhood development centre principals experience in providing services to children in Gugulethu Township, Cape Town? adopted a qualitative research design using a semistructured interview schedule for face-to-face interviews with participants. It comprised of 20 participants, all female aged between 44 and 74 years, who had worked as principals in a registered ECD centre for three years and above. The sample was arrived at using a purposive sampling method. The study revealed that principals are faced with a number of challenges. Key among them are burglary;; poor communication coupled with inadequate subsidies often paid late by the Department of Social Development;; poor salaries and infrastructure;; lack of fundraising skills and trained teachers;; and inadequate funds, food, educational equipment, blankets and mattresses for children. To address these challenges, principals receive support from the government, namely, the provincial Departments of Social Development and Education, and the City of Cape Town, in the form of subsidies. In addition, they receive various forms of support from the private sector, non-governmental organisations, ECD centres, parents and their communities. The study proposed a set of recommendations to the government (national, provincial and the City of Cape Town), private sector, non-government organisations, the Gugulethu community and principals with an aim to provide support to address the challenges that principals faced. Among the main recommendations were for the national government to take a proactive and bold decision to improve the conditions of service for ECD principals as a matter of urgency as they play a crucial role in building the learning foundation for children. It was also recommended that the private sector should develop sustainable partnerships with ECD centres in Gugulethu. They could, for instance, contribute to the establishment of a community fund to support the operation of ECD centres. In addition, the study recommends that NGOs should support ECD principals to lobby and advocate not only for improved conditions of service but also increased government funding to the ECD sector. Furthermore, the research study unearthed some issues which need answers. It is recommended that further research be conducted to explore the practicality of government employing principals and teachers in the ECD sector. Collective capacity is essential in solving some of the challenges experienced by principals when providing services to children in Gugulethu. It is recommended that the community, working in collaboration with the government, NGOs and the private sector, should be involved in improving ECD centres. For example, parents who do not work could volunteer during the week to assist with the maintenance of ECD centre grounds and buildings while those who work could do the same over the weekends. For principals, it was recommended that, with the support of NGOs and other stakeholders, they should lobby and advocate strongly for improved working conditions and for inclusion in decision making at local, provincial and national government levels.
Open Access
An exploratory study of the development of Adonis Musati Project as an organisation
(2012) Kundishora, Ashley R; Atmore, Eric
Because of the country's well-established socio-economic status, citizens from many neighbouring countries, such as Zimbabwe, have resorted to seeking refuge in South Africa. Different refugee organizations, such as Adonis Musati Project (AMP) emerged in order to meet refugee needs in Cape Town. AMP was formed in 2007 with the aim of providing humanitarian assistance to refugees and asylum seekers. Named after a Zimbabwean, Adonis Musati, who died of starvation in a queue at the Department of Home Affairs, trying to access legal documentation, AMP set out to ensure that this would never happen again. The aim of this research is to explore whether the organisation is meeting its intended goal; whether it abides by any policies; what impact it has on its stakeholders; which current life stage it is facing and challenges dealt with during this period; and what effectiveness approach it uses, if any, in order to achieve sustainable growth and remain relevant in its community.
Open Access
An exploratory study of the experiences of young people in becoming agents of social change in Cape Town
(2013) Lemmen, Myrna; Atmore, Eric
This is an exploratory study of the experiences of young people in becoming agents of social change in Cape Town. The study was carried out on a sample of seventeen young agents of social change from seven developing communities in Cape Town. It adopted a qualitative and exploratory research approach, using a semi-structured interview schedule for the face to face interviews with the young changemakers. The sample was purposively selected: the researcher targeted a specific group (young agents of social change) in a specific area (Cape Town region). The findings revealed mainly that being a young agent of social change stimulates personal growth, youth development, and improves future prospects for young people from developing communities. The young agents of social change in this study are mainly active within civil society and, like most South African youth, do not engage much with party politics. It suggests that young people are poorly represented politically which weakens South Africa's young democracy, can lead to social and political instability, and makes nation building more challenging. Civil society plays a key role in stimulating youth to become agents of social change. However, generally civil society does not stimulate youth directly to develop agency in social change, and does not provide youth with opportunities for leadership and ownership over projects.
Open Access
An exploratory study of the factors affecting a job skills training project for women in Phumlani Village, Cape Town a case study of the Cape Town Child Welfare Society job skills training project
(2012) Mumba, Agnes; Atmore, Eric
An exploratory study was conducted to establish factors affecting a job skills training project offered by Cape Town Child Welfare (CTCW) in Phumlani Village, an informal settlement in Cape Town. The study answered the following main research questions: what factors affected the job skills training project in Phumlani Village? What were the project participants' perceptions about the job skills training project? and what views and experiences do the CTCW LOP unit managers have about the job skills training project as a poverty alleviation strategy?
Open Access
An exploratory study of the factors contributing to school dropout among girls in Temeke district of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
(2014) Rwechungura, Jeniphar Kokusima; Atmore, Eric
The purpose of this study was to explore the factors contributing to school dropout among girls in Temeke district of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A qualitative exploratory study approach was adopted by using a semi-structured interview schedule of face?to-face interviews. The study involved a sample of 20 girls aged between 12 and 23 years using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The findings revealed that participants dropped out of school for various reasons, including lack of financial support, loss of parents, parents being sick, poor performance, pregnancy, early marriage, and rape. In addition, the findings revealed that although young girls had dropped out of school, they still aspired to pursuing further education and acquiring different skills in order for them to achieve their goals. The girls indicated that the major obstacle to achieving their dreams was a lack of sufficient money to start their own small business and pay for training and transport costs, as most vocational centres are located far from their communities. Due to these daily challenges, these girls desired more support from their communities. Most of the girls shared the concern that no one had ever shown an interest in the specific factors causing them to stop their schooling. Based on the findings of the study, the major recommendations are for the government to provide subsidies to parents who cannot afford to support their children?s education. In addition, the government in collaboration with other stakeholders should establish skills training centres within communities so as to impart skills to young girls to enable them either to establish their own businesses or, alternatively, to find employment. Furthermore, those who intend to start their own business should be supported by access to funding and business development support services. The study recommends that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in partnership with the local authorities, schools and communities should intensify their interventions aimed at addressing social issues such as early marriages and pregnancy in Temeke district. NGOs should also publicise their activities and programmes to ensure that young girls know about the different options available to them. The study also recommends that girls should be actively focused on their education and be supported to form local networks as a means of them working together to realise their dreams.
Open Access
An exploratory study of the role that identity documents play in the integration of refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa: reflections from Cape Town
(2015) Wamundiya, Alice; Atmore, Eric
South Africa is one of the top regional destinations for refugees and asylum seekers. The South African government has chosen to adopt local integration as its main strategy in dealing with the refugees and asylum seekers it currently hosts, as opposed to housing refugees in camps. This step has been hailed as progressive, and the Refugee Act has espoused the issuing of progressive identity documents to refugees and asylum seekers as the viaduct through which refugees and asylum seekers can become fully integrated. In this regard then, refugee and asylum seeker identity documents are critical and the study sought to investigate the extent to which this policy intent of using identity documents to facilitate integration had become a reality. The study began by looking at the evolution of refugee and asylum seeker law in South Africa. From there it looked at the differences between refugees and asylum seekers, and what distinguishes them from other migrants such as economic migrants. Thereafter the study looked at theoretical frameworks surrounding migration and integration, especially as pertains to the refugee and asylum seeker context. In particular, the study sought to present the experiences of identity documents in facilitating integration from two main perspectives namely the refugees and asylum seekers who are issued with and make use of these identity documents, and service providers who interact with these documents on a daily basis and provide services to the refugee and asylum seeker communities. The findings presented highlight that despite the progressive evolution of refugee law in South Africa, the role of these identity documents, in facilitating access to services and promoting integration, has largely failed, from the practical to the policy level.

Browsing by Author "Atmore, Eric"

Results Per Page

Sort Options