Building community one child at a time: A grassroots approach to taking young South Africans off the streets

Abstract

Young South Africans face challenges in their attempts to rise out of the poverty and community violence surrounding them. These challenges might affect their sense of well-being. A thematic analysis based on semi-structured interviews from 18 field workers who work for a non-governmental organization focused on helping children in the Western Cape area return to school revealed several themes. These themes illustrate links between the young South Africans, their families, their schools, and their communities—and the struggles they face. Analysis also revealed that interpersonal processes may change perceptions about social support, the ability to enhance well-being, and create a sense of joint responsibility. These may contribute to Prilleltensky’s wellness as fairness and point to the important role that communal coping may serve in helping South Africans rebuild their communities.