Browsing by Author "O'Brien, Connie"
Now showing 1 - 20 of 22
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemOpen AccessCommunity health insurance as a viable means of increasing access to health care for rural households in Uganda(2009) Twikirize, Janestic Mwende; O'Brien, ConnieThis study investigated the viability of community health insurance (CHI) as a means of increasing access to health care for rural households in Uganda. This was against the background that health care is a basic need and right and that, despite this, households especially in the rural parts of Uganda are still lacking effective access to health care. The study is informed by different theories of justice in health care delivery, namely, the libertarian, egalitarian and utilitarian theories. It also borrows concepts from Andersen's (1968) behavioural model of health services access and utilization as well as Kutzin's (2001) framework for analysis of health financing arrangements to assess the viability of CHI as a strategy to increase access to health care.
- ItemOpen AccessAn evaluation of a brief multlple family group psychoeducation programme with families in which a member has schizophrenia(1998) Leaver, Patricia; O'Brien, ConnieAIMS OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief multiple family group psychoeducation programme with families, who have a family member with schizophrenia, currently being treated as patients of Valkenberg Hospital. i) To assess families' knowledge about schizophrenia ii) To assess their present levels of functioning. iii) To assess their support systems. iv) To assess objectives i), ii) and iii) via a pre-test questionnaire in which the sample group of families give their responses in personally conducted interviews. v) To undertake action research whereby a psychoeducation model is introduced and families are exposed to a one day educational skills workshop followed up by six weekly family sessions. vi) To administer a post-test questionnaire to assess the impact of psychoeducation on families.
- ItemOpen AccessAn examination of childcare practices and perceptions amongst employed Ugandan males and their working spouses in the Kampala and Mpigi districts(2012) Nkwake, Apollo Mukasa; Sturgeon, Shona; O'Brien, ConnieThis study examines childcare practices among employed Ugandan fathers with working spouses. The researcher adopted a dominant quantitative design as well as a qualitative design (mixed methodology). A survey was used to obtain quantitative descriptive data. Random cluster samples of 200 fathers (100 in Kampala and 100 in Mpigi) and 200 mothers (100 in Kampala and 100 in Mpigi) were interviewed with questionnaires.
- ItemOpen AccessAn exploration of the coping strategies of black minority high school learners at a German speaking school environment and the support structures available to them(2006) Searle, Catherine Anne; O'Brien, ConnieIn 1991, white schools across South Africa began opening their doors to children of all race groups. This marked a move from an education system of social exclusion and racial division towards one which celebrates inclusion and cultural diversity. It also brought with it many challenges. White school communities had to accommodate black learners for the first time and these learners had to learn to adapt and cope with a new school environment in which they were a minority. This study sought to explore the experiences of black minority high school learners ata private, German speaking school in Cape Town. It set out to examine the ways in which they cope with integrating into a white majority school environment and the support structures which are available to them. Data was collected using pre-focus group and focus group interviews. Qualitative data analysis methods were used drawing on Tesch's eight step model, (in De Vos, 1998:343). A framework for analysis was developed in which four main themes related to stress and coping emerged. These included: relationships at school, school work, other demands of theschool system and support structures. This thematic analysis revealed that integrating into this white majority school environment is stressful for black minority learners. It also revealed that these learners make use of a wide range of coping strategies in order to deal with this stress. These include problem-focused coping strategies, where learners do something active to alleviate their stress and emotion-focused coping strategies, where they attempt to manage the emotional consequences of the stressful event. Findings also revealed that a number of support structures exist within the school and home environment of the learners. Support needs were also identified and explored and recommendations were made which included some practical recommendations for ongoing intervention and support for these learners in the future
- ItemOpen AccessAn exploratory study of first year residence students' perceptions regarding safety and security at the University of Cape Town(2010) Kahari, Ingrid; O'Brien, ConnieSafety and security is an issue that institutions of higher learning have to deal with and address within their campuses. The focus of this study was to explore first year residence students perceptions regarding safety and security at the University of Cape Town (UCT). An exploratory qualitative approach was used in this study. The purposive sample consisted of fourteen first year students from three UCT residences and three residence supervisors from these residences giving a total sample of seventeen participants. The results of the study showed that students see themselves as safer within the confines of UCT whereas they feel relatively unsafe off campus.
- ItemOpen AccessExploring beneficiary perceptions about the use of refurbished container classrooms for early childhood development in vulnerable communities in the Westen Cape(2014) Mwape, Christine; O'Brien, ConnieThis study explored beneficiary perceptions about the use of refurbished container classrooms for Early Childhood Development (ECD) in vulnerable communities in the Western Cape. It was conducted on a sample of three ECD centres, one at Philippi and two at Khayelitsha. Key informants at each centre included the Principal, two teachers, three community leaders and a focus group of up to six parents. The study used the qualitative approach and employed a purposive sampling technique. Semi-structured interview schedules, developed in line with the research objectives, were used to guide the interviews. The study revealed that the container classrooms were safer and healthier ECD facilities compared to the shacks previously used. They were used as childcare and early learning facilities and also for community activities. Challenges experienced in using container classrooms were around maintenance of the structures and intermittent funding;; while measures considered essential in enhancing usage of container classrooms included the provision of spacious classrooms;; supporting facilities (toilets and kitchen);; creating a stimulating play space around the container, and greater stakeholder participation in the running of the centres. The research makes the following recommendations: i. That further research be done towards an understanding of the extent, nature and impact of the container facilities concept at national level;; ii. To Breadline Africa that community involvement in the monitoring process be enhanced and to responde to the need to adjust the physical structures to enhance durability and withstand extreme weather conditions;; and iii. To the Department of Social Development to review its funding strategies and to consider investing in infrastructure in low socio-economic communities as a way of ensuring availability of acceptable standards of ECD centres for poor children.
- ItemOpen AccessExploring factors that sustain succesful women-owned informal micro businesses in the Western Cape(2014) Clack, Elizabeth; O'Brien, ConnieThe study explored factors that sustain successful women-owned informal micro businesses. This explorative qualitative study was conducted in Cape Town in the communities of Philippi and Khayelitsha. Face- to- face in-depth interviewing was carried out on a purposive sample of sixteen women-owned informal microbusinesses (WBOs) and five key informants from government and NGO institutions offering small business support services. The main findings indicated that some of the women are successful due to a variety of multifaceted and linked factors. These women have been operating their businesses successfully despite economic downturns and gender exclusion and other community related factors. A variety of behavioural and motivational factors also contribute to small business success. The WBOs are able to successfully operate businesses in economic downturns due to their adaptability, flexibility and innovation in their business practices. A resilient mindset, their strong spirituality, confidence and business aspirations enabled them to persevere in difficult economic and personal circumstances, while conducting business in often violent communities. The nature of trade and their knowledge of the market, customer care, relationships and their attitudes to competition were key to their business success. The family and institutional support however appears to be weak and barriers included sparse information about the support services from NGOs and government. The main recommendation is that these more successful informal micro-business women owners could be better documented and used as case studies and role models for best practice. Much more research is needed on a larger scale across the country since the informal sector is constantly expanding and changing.
- ItemOpen AccessExploring staff perceptions of why selected development NPOs are able to deliver effective services(2014) Nhaitayi, Ropafadzo Malvin; O'Brien, ConnieNonprofit organisations (NPOs) play an important role in society as they help government in service delivery. In their quest to deliver services, these organisations face insurmountable challenges, including, but not exclusive to inadequate funding and staff shortages. Yet in spite of this, some of these organisations have overcome these challenges, and continued to provide services to communities. This study sought to explore the perceptions of the staff working in development NPOs regarding the reasons they thought their organisations were able to deliver effective services to their beneficiaries. A qualitative research design was adopted as it focuses on the subjective realities of the respondents. A purposive sample of nineteen respondents from four different organisations was drawn up. The criterion for selection was: organisations that had been in existence since 1994; had at least eight staff members; and a Director who had been in charge for at least five years.
- ItemOpen AccessExploring the challenges facing micro enterprise immigrant traders in the Western Cape metropole : Greenmarket Square and the Hout Bay Harbour markets(2011) Chikamhi, Tendai; O'Brien, ConnieThis study explored the challenges facing immigrant traders in the Western Cape Metropole at the Greenmarket Square and the Hout Bay Harbour markets. A purposive / convenience sample was drawn of twelve immigrant traders and five key informants (seventeen participants). An exploratory, qualitative approach was adopted using semi-structured interview schedules to guide face to face interviewing. The data was analysed using Tesch's (1990) approach.
- ItemOpen AccessExploring the key socio-economic challenges facing youth refugees in the Western Cape(2012) Shawa, Elizabeth HL; O'Brien, ConnieThis study explored the key socio-economic challenges facing youth refugees in the Western Cape. The study was carried out on a purposive sample of twelve youth refugees. In addition, six key informants from various institutions working with refugees in the Western Cape were also interviewed. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory approach using a semi structured interview schedule for face to face interviews with the participants.
- ItemOpen AccessExploring the peacebuilding potential of development NGOs in areas of protracted conflict in Ethiopia: with special reference to Oromia and Gambella states(2014) Mengistu, Wondimu Ketsela; O'Brien, ConnieThis study examines the peacebuilding potential of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in areas of protracted conflict in Ethiopia. The findings highlight the potential transformative capacity of these NGOs and the challenges of their peacebuilding work. The research design adopted in this study was that of a mixed design method with an emphasis on the qualitative method. Data was collected through 52 in-depth interviews, a survey involving 120 households, two focus group discussions and various secondary sources. Bivariate analysis and thematic and content analysis were conducted. The evidence from the empirical findings illustrate that by applying an "indigenous empowerment perspective", many of these NGOs have incorporated peacebuilding components into their development programmes, and have made significant contributions in five ways. Firstly, their activities have helped to activate and re-establish customary institutions and strengthened their jurisdiction over land, social and cultural issues. Secondly, their facilitation efforts in peace processes have played an important role in the establishment of inter/intra-ethnic peace groups. The facilitation efforts helped in strengthening the pastoralists' own indigenous laws and in drawing-up by-laws relating to natural resource access, use and maintenance. Laws on murder, theft and injury were reinforced. A legal framework with the capacity to resolve group differences peacefully was developed. Thirdly, the NGOs' inter/intra-ethnic relations initiatives helped to reinvigorate the "values" of communal resource sharing, to build crossborder cooperation, thereby reducing the incidence of cross-border raids and resource-based conflicts. Fourthly, the NGO cross-border peacebuilding initiatives helped to revitalise economic opportunities; these improved the capacity for trade and also increased the links between traders across the border, thereby creating a reciprocal interdependence and a vested interest in reducing conflict. Finally, the NGO development programmes have, in certain areas, created sustainable access to the natural resources and increased the reconstruction of physical infrastructure; these factors, in turn, contributed to a reduction in the likelihood of resource-based conflict and vulnerability to drought. The study suggests that if development NGOs operating in those conflict areas are to have a meaningful impact, then their peacebuilding projects need to build on indigenous institutions and local actors. The study also highlights how the present policy of the Ethiopian state has restricted the peacebuilding role of NGOs. The study further posits that the Ethiopian state's judicial system and its local administration are structurally unable to address the full impact of protracted conflicts and that traditional conflict resolution mechanisms facilitated by NGOs, strategically situated, are best able to play this role. Although it is conceded that NGOs are not the "panacea" for all problems, the findings of this study point to their value.
- ItemOpen AccessExploring the perceptions of Church of England in South Africa (CESA) pastors : about the nature and extent of social development projects in the Western Cape region(2008) Roux, Michéle; O'Brien, ConnieIncludes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 107-112).
- ItemOpen Access'Exploring the potential of a prejudice reduction programme at a girls' junior school'(2002) Steel, Amanda; O'Brien, ConnieThis study explores the potential of a prejudice reduction programme at a girls' junior school. Within South Africa, even with the changing policy and reforms that were based on a new constitutional dispensation, adults and children were, and still are, being faced on a daily basis with issues of prejudice and discrimination, such as racism, sexism, and class discrimination to name a few. The objectives of this study are fourfold: To explore what the dominant prejudices of grade 6 girls are; to examine how these prejudices are manifested; to investigate whether these prejudices could be reduced in a peer setting; and to discover whether the development of a co-constructed prejudice reduction programme would be a viable option for reducing prejudice. A mixed methodology approach combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches is employed in this study. In this dual approach, the richness of respondents' experiences gained from focus group discussions, is complemented by data gained from structured questionnaires. A pre-test post-test model is adopted. The four focus groups have a dual purpose. One of their main purposes is to be utilized as research instruments in gathering qualitative data around the incidence and form of prejudice amongst the respondents. However, these same focus groups are also treated as a prejudice reduction intervention with the pre-test and post-test questionnaires functioning as measures of effectiveness in reducing prejudice. This research has uniquely used the focus group approach as a vehicle for prejudice awareness and prejudice reduction. The peer group setting was maximized to bring about transformation of attitudes and to coconstruct a prejudice reduction programme. The group process was skillfully used to promote a safe context for this change.
- ItemOpen AccessExploring the socio-economic contributions that Filipinos in the Western Cape make to the development of their host and home countries(2013) Velasco M; O'Brien, Connie
- ItemOpen AccessMakgotla : a vehicle for development in rural communities?(1996) Mangokwana, Andries Mphoto; O'Brien, ConnieThis is an exploratory study using a qualitative approach. This study attempts to explore the nature of makgotla found in the rural community of Ramokgopa. It examines the structure and operation, nature of services rendered, successes, areas of concern as well as the role of makgotla played in community development. The primary objective was to assess the viability of makgotla as a vehicle for development in rural communities. Data was collected via in-depth interviews, and using a community-forum approach. Eleven headmen/key members and five consumers of services were selected for interviewing. Two community meetings were also held for the same purpose. The study found that makgotla have taken initiatives and efforts to develop their own community. This is in spite of the fact that there are areas of concern like gender sensitivity that need to be addressed. The study concludes with some recommendations, one of them being that local government officials be made aware of the presence of makgotla and how best to engage in a dialogue which will reap benefits for the community.
- ItemOpen AccessThe post 1994 challenges facing non-governmental organisations providing services to children in the Cape Metropolitan, South Africa(2009) Mokatsa, Mankoane; O'Brien, ConnieThis study investigated the challenges facing non-governmental organisations (NGOs) providing services to children in the Cape Metropolitan, South Africa in the post 1994 period. Of key concern to this study is how NGOs after the transition to democracy in 1994 are coping with the new structures, legislation and funding challenges. The challenges that these NGOs face concerning the new civil society-state relations are also alluded to. More specificaUy the focus is on NGOs that provide services to children. This exploratory, qualitative study was conducted in the Cape Town Metropolitan, South Africa. A purposeful sample of five NGOs providing services to children was selected. Within these organisations, fourteen participants, five from management and nine practitioners were interviewed. A key informant was also consulted. The in-depth interviews were carried out using an interview schedule as a guide. The main findings indicate that the five NGOs subscribe to the regulatory frameworks governing their sector.
- ItemOpen Access'Post-1994 challenges facing South African NGOs : a case study of six Western Cape Non-Governmental Organizations that have a development focus'(2010) Chimangafisi, Lemekeza; O'Brien, ConnieThis study examines post-1994 challenges facing six Western Cape NGOs with a development focus in South Africa. It is an exploratory qualitative study that aims to understand the challenges NGOs are facing as they try to promote development strategies in a cash strapped environment. The objectives of the study are to explore: regulatory frameworks such as the Non-Profit Organizations Act (Act 71 of 1997), the National Development Agency Act (Act 108 of 1998), and the Taxation Laws Amendment Act (Act 30 of 2000) that impact on NGOs; the nature and impact of services; the nature of the funding environment; networking, policy and advocacy initiatives; and other challenges that these NGOs identify.Face-to-face, in-depth interviews were carried out on a non-probability sample of 12 participants from six NGOs. Data was analysed using Tesch's approach to data analysis (De Vos, 2002). The main findings were: Despite not having an in depth knowledge of the NPO Act 71 of 1997, the Taxation Laws Amendment Act 30 of 2000 and the NDA Act 30 of 3000, all participants identified the benefits of the regulatory frameworks but noted the challenges with the NDA. All NGOs provided services that promoted development. Although all participants identified that the NGOs were making an impact, they did not have proper monitoring and evaluation systems in their organisations. All but one of the NGOs identified funding as a challenge. Funding remains one of the main problems that NGOs are facing. All NGOs were networked into a broader coalition and identified challenges and benefits from networking with government and civil society. The main recommendations were for: Findings to be made to the participating NGOs to put in place proper monitoring and evaluation tools Government to rethink strategies for a more effective NGO-government partnership and to rethink the criteria for allocating much needed funds to NGOs. Further research regarding the nature and impact of services should be made.
- ItemOpen AccessSpiritually sensitive social work : can its development and practice be left to providence?(2005) Evelyn Gerlinde Layton; O'Brien, ConnieMissing or incomplete abstract
- ItemOpen AccessSpiritually sensitive social work : can its development and practice be left to providence?(2005) Evelyn Gerlinde Layton; O'Brien, ConnieMissing or incomplete abstract
- ItemOpen AccessSustaining the peace in northern Uganda: exploring the potential for community participation in conflict resolution processes(2014) Barrigye, Samson; O'Brien, ConnieThe study examines the potential for community participation in peacemaking and conflict resolution processes, with particular emphasis on the nature and level of that participation. The researcher adopted an exploratory, qualitative research design. The Acholi region of Northern Uganda was targeted for this case study because of its history as a conflict affected region. The study involved twenty-six (26) key informants and one hundred and sixty-nine (169) participants who were involved in thirteen (13) focus groups. The key informants were selected using the purposive sampling method, while the focus group participants were selected using a mixture of snowball and purposive sampling methods. The most significant findings of this study were that: # Key participants included the government of Uganda (GoU) peace team; the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) peace team; appointed and elected political leaders; civil society representatives; the Acholi cultural institutions, and religious leaders. # The community was represented at the peace talks by religious and cultural leaders. However, there is some ambiguity as to whether or not these leaders truly represented the local communities. # Unclear selection criteria and ambiguous mandates of representatives caused problems of legitimacy. # Women representatives/participants in the peace process were only given ‘observer status’. # Religious and cultural leaders initiated the peace process and acted as informal mediators. # There was a lack of communication, and community members were not fully informed of the developments taking place during the Juba peace talks. # The Acholi traditional conflict resolution practices were not optimally utilized since the elite negotiators adopted the western model of peacemaking processes.. # Mato-oput (an indigenous conflict resolution practice) which emphasises truth telling is effective only in specific cultural settings and may not be suitable for addressing more serious conflicts such as war crimes. The following recommendations emanate from this study: # Structures to ensure legitimate representation of community members should be set up. # Various levels of community participation should be a feature throughout the conflict resolution process. # Middle range leaders and intermediaries should be given much more leverage during the peace process. # Women should be especially included in the peace process since they have strategic contributions to make from their perspective. # Legitimate community representatives should inform their constituencies of the developments taking place at the peace talks through various communication channels.. # Strategies should be adopted to address those specific impediments to community participation such as socio-economic and/or political factors.. # Training, financial support and other costs of participation should be factored into the peace process as necessary for the overall peace dividend. # Formal and traditional justice systems should be synchronized to ensure that they mutually reinforce peace in culturally appropriate and relevant ways.