The management of community development projects in disadvantaged communities in the Eastern Cape

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research study is to present a profile of the community needs anda description of the community programmes which are in operation at the SHAREorganisation. Furthermore, the study aims at compiling data that will attempt todetermine how the SHARE project meets the principles for social welfare, namelysecuring basic welfare and human rights, equity, non-discrimination, accountability,accessibility, appropriateness, transparent quality service, democracy and ubuntu.For purposes of achieving the above aims and the objectives of the study, a literaturereview was undertaken and empirical research data were gathered and arepresented in this study. The literature review support data relevant to the study, and itinvolves the historical background of social work and community development inBritain, Europe, Great Britain, the United States of America and South Africa. Theabove historical background is crucial in understanding events that led to communitydevelopment initiatives in South Africa, especially in relation to the SHARE projectunder study. Furthermore, a developmental approach to social welfare in SouthAfrica, families living in poverty, management of community work projects from asocial work perspective and models of social welfare have been presented. From theabove literature presentation, the role of a community social worker in managingcommunity projects has been identified. A community social worker's involvement inmanaging community projects is important because a social worker possesses expertknowledge and the skills necessary to facilitate the community's own initiatives in thedevelopment of the community. Community members are therefore supportedtowards self-help and self-determination. A local social work practitioner hassucceeded in facilitating the efforts of the KwaNobuhle community in theestablishment of the SHARE projects. She has made use of her expert knowledgeand skill to foster self-initiatives to the KwaNobuhle community to develop their owncommunity.A pre-assessment review undertaken by the researcher at the SHARE project andthe KwaNobuhle needs assessment survey data have provided a basis for theempirical study. In this study, an applied research design has been utilised to demonstrate theeffectiveness and efficiency of a project. Data gathering has been applied by utilisingtwo instruments. The first instrument, a structured questionnaire was designed tocollect data from a sample size of ten SHARE respondents consisting of serviceproviders and beneficiaries. The data gathered have been analysed quantitatively.The second unstructured instrument has collected data from a sample size of elevenrespondents. Respondents interviewed were SHARE beneficiaries and serviceproviders. Data gathered have been analysed qualitatively. Variables to beoperationalised were the SHARE programmes and the principles of social welfarewhich were identified earlier. The purpose of operationalising the above variableswas to determine whether the SHARE programmes are able to meet the principles ofsocial welfare. With reference to the results of the findings it has been establishedthat hypothetically the SHARE programmes have been able to meet no less than70% of the principles of social welfare as proposed by the White Paper (1997).In conclusion, the SHARE project has projected a positive image of social workpractitioners in South Africa. Social work practitioners in the various provinces areurged to initiate similar projects so as to enhance social development in South Africa.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University