A physical activity programme to support the development of Namibian youth in an 'at-risk' context

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The positive relationship between physical activity and recreation and a reduction inrisk factors for youth has extensive historical roots. The definition of youth in an at-riskcontext has evolved over the years and may be conceptualized on a continuum ranging fromlow risk to chronic deviance. Many factors predispose youth to behavioural risk factors.These predisposing factors include variables related to the individual (self), family, peers,school, and community.The current situation in Namibia suggests that there is need for concern about youth inan at-risk context, and that efforts to minimize risk factors for youth will provide diversepersonal and social benefits. Strategies involving physical activity and recreation appearparticularly promising in minimizing risk factors for youth. Physical activity and recreationalparticipation can provide positive benefits related to psychological health, physical health,familial interaction, peer influence, academic performance, community development, andother lifestyle behaviours. The documentation supporting the enormous potential of physicalactivity and recreational programmes to positively influence youth in an at-risk contextcannot be ignored.The 305 participants in the survey and the 35 participants from the Physically ActiveYouth (PAY) Group provided invaluable input into this research. All participants providedunique insight.Throughout the research it became increasingly apparent that there is incrediblepotential for physical activity initiatives to positively impact on youth in an at-risk context.Physical activity can help youth in an at-risk context by improving self-esteem, providingpositive role models, teaching teamwork and social skills, promoting self-confidence,providing a sense of belonging. reducing risk factors for disease, giving youth somethingconstructive to do, providing a means of releasing stress, promoting positive morals andvalues, teaching cognitive, leadership and life skills, providing a sense of community,fostering family support, and promoting the wellness of youth. At the end of the PAY pilotproject all learners showed remarkable increases in their fitness levels, their attitudes changedtowards being more positive and the programme showed a passing rate of 91%.Many organizations are currently providing programmes or services that directly orindirectly impact on youth in an at-risk context. There was a general consensus that theseefforts is in need of government policy that will result in better coordination of suchprogrammes. Successful programmes need to have youth spearheading the initiative.Programmes also need to be flexible, accommodating, inexpensive (or free), with goodleadership and community support. Programmes directed towards youth in an at-risk contextshould be non-threatening, emphasizing participation, and not competition.The research evidence suggest that there is a need to empower marginalized youth,provide good leadership, establish parental support, provide increased government support,develop partnerships, create youth centres, reform current programming initiatives to reflectthe needs of youth in an at-risk context, and continue research are some of the primaryconcerns. The need to approach youth in an at-risk context issues holistically was also apervasive attitude. Physical activity and recreation can provide both prevention andintervention functions.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University