Groupwork with disadvantaged  communities in North West, Lokaleng village in South Africa- social responsibility

Elizabeth Smit

doi:10.1921/jpts20241732

Authors

Elizabeth Smit North-West University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5474-7001

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts20241732

Keywords:

group work, community, disadvantaged, ocial responsibility, sustainability

Abstract

North West University has in its many community engagement endeavours and projects developed a “We deliver” project to give back to the community as part of its social responsibility initiative.

The department of social work used this platform to advance self-help, education, mutual aid, social relief and general development within the community. Generalist approach of Kirst-Ashman, (2002) was particularly used which incorporated multiple levels of intervention. Attempts at improving the life of the disadvantaged involves imparting of knowledge about the manifestation of social problems like poverty, unemployment and self-defeating behaviours like teenage pregnancy, teenage alcohol abuse and drug misuse. Social group work as one of the primary methods was used to reach the community through learners focusing on empowerment and skilling. The latter was provided by the relevant stakeholder Department of Social Development (DSD). The target group which served as a link to the community was high school learners in Lokaleng Village near Mafikeng, North West Province. The results were shared with the leaders of the community who served as gatekeepers and who will ensure sustainability.

Keywords: group work, community, disadvantaged, social responsibility, sustainability

Author Biography

Elizabeth Smit, North-West University

Elizabeth Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work.

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