Crossing the threshold : evaluation of a rites of passage programme in a peri-urban South African community

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Adolescence, especially for boys, is a time of exploration, experimentation and risk taking - arejection of the mundane (Pinnock, 1997, p. 7). As their gender identity develops, boys start toidentify with their fathers and require nurturance from them in order to develop an internal locus ofcontrol and the strength to successfully cope with life's challenges. Without older men to guideadolescent boys in mastering the tasks necessary for them to attain adult status, boys turn to otherboys for assistance in making this transition. In the absence of community involvement and positivemale role models, this rites of passage process can have disastrous effects.In 1999 a primary health care clinic was opened in Jamestown (located lOkm south east ofStellenbosch) and the staff at this clinic approached the Department of Psychology at the Universityof Stellenbosch for assistance, as there was an urgent need for psychological services in thecommunity. The community role players were especially concerned about the male youth in thearea, who were identified as being at risk for becoming involved in gang related activities andamongst whom drug and alcohol abuse was on the increase. In partnership with Usiko, a rites ofpassage diversion programme (targeting twenty-one boys and lasting for a period of nine months)was started at Stellenzicht Secondary School to address this concern. Thirteen men (mentors) wereselected from Jamestown and surrounding areas to guide the boys (mentees) through this process.This research assignment is an outcome evaluation from the perspective of the twenty-one youngmen who participated in the first Jamestown Usiko Youth Project, as well as from the perspective ofkey informants (parents/guardians and teachers). Feedback from the mentees affirmed thatparticipation in the project had contributed towards an improvement in interpersonal relationships,decreased in involvement in high risk activities, and an inspiration to overcome adversecircumstances. The teachers, however, indicated the need for closer collaboration between theproject and the school to counter negative attitudes of the participants. Recommendations receivedfrom the mentees, their parents/guardians and teachers have been an invaluable resource illimproving the content and processes of the programme, which is now in its third cycle.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University