CHALLENGES TO BUILDING AUTHENTIC PARTNERSHIPS: LESSONS FROM BHAMBAYI, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanusha Raniga ◽  
Barbara Simpson ◽  
Ntokozo Mthembu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Informal Settlement ◽  
Mutual Trust ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Qualitative Phase

In contemporary South Africa, partnerships between service providers in government, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and community based organisations have been identified as a means to strengthen communities and the sustainability of social services. However, the unequal power relations that exists between and within these organisations often leads to fragmentation, duplication, and lack of coordination of social services. Using Fowler’s (1998) conceptualisation of authentic partnerships, this qualitative phase of a larger study explored the challenges of building authentic partnerships in Bhambayi, a predominantly informal settlement in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Individual interviews and a focus group held with nine service providers revealed that intraorganisational challenges, cross-boundary and inter-organisational relations as well as political influences were obstacles to the development of authentic partnerships. The article suggests that open communication, clarity of roles and mutual trust between service providers is vital.

scholarly journals Experiences in conducting multiple community-based HIV prevention trials among women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gita Ramjee ◽  
Nicola Coumi ◽  
Nozizwe Dladla-Qwabe ◽  
Shay Ganesh ◽  
Sharika Gappoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Prevention Trials

scholarly journals Informal community-based early childhood development as a focus for urban public theology in South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
J.P. Van der Walt ◽  
Ignatius Swart ◽  
Stephan De Beer
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Childhood Development ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Childhood Development ◽  
Public Theology ◽  
Specific Situation ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Informal Community

This article highlights important dimensions of public theology and shows how the identified dimensions are relevant to the specific situation of informal early childhood development (ECD) facilities in a South African urban setting. The article considers the contributions and challenges of informal community-based ECD on the basis of research conducted in the Rustenburg/Phokeng area of the North West province of South Africa. It critically discusses the sociocultural discourses and legislation regulating ECD centres, by focusing on the constraints put on informal ECD service providers. It concludes by considering ways in which urban public theology should act to serve, strengthen and advocate this vitally important, yet informal, sector.

scholarly journals Homelessness during COVID-19: Challenges, Responses, and Lessons Learned from Homeless Service Providers in Tippecanoe County, Indiana

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia M. Rodriguez ◽  
Alexa M. Lahey ◽  
Justin J. MacNeill ◽  
Rebecca G. Martinez ◽  
Nina E. Teo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Community Based Organizations

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare some of the United States’ most devastating health and social inequities faced by people experiencing homelessness. Homeless populations experience disproportionate rates of underlying health conditions, stigma and marginalization that often disenfranchise them from health and social services, and living conditions that potentiate the risk of COVID-19 transmission and adverse outcomes. Methods: Guided by the socio-ecological model, this community-based participatory research study examined the impacts of the COVID-19 public health crisis on people experiencing homelessness in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and the ways in which homeless service providers prepared for, experienced, and responded to the pandemic. Eighteen (18) semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of 15 community-based organizations, including shelters and other homeless service providers.Results: Qualitative content analysis revealed multilevel challenges and responses to COVID-19 impact mitigation in this community, including the implementation of diverse safety measures, policies and novel service delivery innovations.Conclusions: Community-based organizations, including homeless shelters, are uniquely qualified to inform pandemic response and disaster risk mitigation in order to respond appropriately to the specific needs of people experiencing homelessness. Many of the emergency measures put in place by homeless service providers in Tippecanoe County, Indiana created opportunities for innovative solutions to longstanding challenges faced by homeless populations that can inform better service delivery moving forward, long after the COVID-19 pandemic. The lessons learned and shared by homeless service providers on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic have important implications to improve future disaster response for homeless and other vulnerable populations.

scholarly journals South Africa: Providers should encourage sexually active youth to use condoms

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Young People ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Youth Centers ◽  
Hiv Aids

To assess the effectiveness of youth centers in reaching adolescents with reproductive health information, life skills, and services, the Reproductive Health Research Unit in KwaZulu Natal and the Population Council conducted an assessment of 12 youth centers and their affiliated peer education programs. The centers were run by the KwaZulu Natal Department of Health, the loveLife program, and the Youth and Adolescent Reproductive Health Program. Researchers also examined young people’s use of condoms as protection against pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. Data sources for this study, conducted in 2000, were an inventory of youth center services, interviews with center staff and clients, service statistics, and community surveys of 1,399 young people aged 12–24 and their parents. As noted in this brief, the study found that many sexually active young people in South Africa are knowledgeable about the sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS but do not use condoms consistently. Service providers can do more to promote condom use among youth by placing condom dispensers in private places and counseling youth on correct condom use and safer sexual practices.

scholarly journals Community-based health agents practices in Burkina Faso

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Lapierre ◽  
I Aboulhouda ◽  
M Gaudreault-Belley ◽  
J Ramdé ◽  
A Coté ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Planning Strategy ◽  
Training And Supervision ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Resources Planning

Abstract Background It is estimated that around 25% of the world's infant mortality is in West Africa where undernutrition accounts for more than 50% of the underlying causes of under-5 mortality. Malnutrition rates have decreased slightly, especially compared to the targets set for 2025. Since Alma-Ata's declaration in 1978, community participation in primary health care has been one way of reducing health inequalities. WHO recommended the integration of community health workers (CHW) into the health system and their inclusion in the human resources planning strategy. We observed a decline of programs involving CHW in the 1990s, then a definite revaluation since the 1990s and specifically, since 2012. They provide health education, as well as referral for a range of services, and provide support and assistance to communities and families through preventive health, easier access to curative health services as well as social services. The specific objectives of this project include: to describe the roles and functions of CHW in Burkina Faso, to identify the workers' needs, to explore the changes in the system and to identify the conditions related to their deployment. Methods A qualitative case study allowed to describe the processes and also facilitated the discovery of key elements related to the experiences of community agents, considering the elements of complexity and context. Results Our results include activities in promotional services, preventive services, curative services and health data management. In addition, we will shed light on their feelings and experiences related to integration into the system, on the strategies they use, on the advantages that bring their role as community workers, their concerns and finally, we will share their perception of their impact. Some recommendations are proposed in regards to training and supervision. Key messages CHW are major players in health systems by creating a bridge between health and social service providers and communities with reduced access. CHW contributes to social justice by facilitating access, promoting recognition and creating empowering processes through increased participation.

Xenophobic Experiences of Foreign African Women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanusha Raniga
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Poverty Alleviation ◽  
Informal Settlement ◽  
African Women ◽  
Feminist Methodology ◽  
Foreign National ◽  
Economic Context ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Insight Into

This paper examines the complex links between poverty, the gendered nature of xenophobia and the related experiences of foreign national women and their struggle to survive while residing in a predominantly informal settlement in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Using feminist methodology, the paper focuses on 12 foreign African women who relate their stories of vulnerability and experiences of xenophobia; a phenomenon they assert is not common in their own home countries. The empirical data discussed in this paper include the women’s motivations for their migration to South Africa and locate this discourse within the broader African socio-cultural, political and economic context. Further, data elicited from the interviews provide insight into the various “shades” of xenophobia as experienced by these women. The paper contributes to the debates on the promotion of women’s rights and gender equality as a prerequisite to poverty alleviation and ultimately economic growth in Africa.

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