4091
17 November 2001
Atten. : Parents & Other interested parties
Dear Sir / Madam
RE : RESULTS OF THE ADULT SURVEY IN RESPECT OF "THE NEED FOR A DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN RESERVOIR HILLS
Please find attached the Concluding Chapter of my research report in respect of the above.
I will be proceeding in accordance with the recommendations I have outlined therein.
I wish to thank you for your kindness in responding to my questionnaire and trust that we will continue to work together to truly "hear" what our Youth want in order for us to assist them in their development.
To those who have kindly offered their support, I shall make contact with you once I know where we stand with regard to the Youth themselves.
Yours sincerely
MISS MEENA N. HARIDAS
4.1 Introduction
This chapter concludes this research project by providing a summary of major findings of the survey in relation to the aims, objectives and research hypothesis.
4.2 Summary of major findings
The aim of this research was to investigate the need for a Youth Development Programme in Reservoir Hills from an Adult (specifically parental) perspective. The aim has been achieved and the major findings are as follows :
Demographic characteristics
• Only Secondary School Youth who attend Reservoir Hills Secondary and Dr. A.D. Lazarus Secondary were targeted to pass questionnaires on to their parents since the sample frame is comprised of only these pupils.
• The majority of the respondents were mothers. The majority of fathers who responded had children attending the Dr. A.D. Lazarus Secondary School.
• The majority of the Youth were from two children families.
• The age range of the target population was 14-17 years, with their siblings ranging from 0-30 years.
• The Youth targeted are attending Grades 9-11, age appropriately
• The majority of the target group are in Grade 9
• The Respondents' children attend a number of schools in and around Reservoir Hills, with the majority attending Dr. A.D. Lazarus Secondary and Reservoir Hills Secondary
Current level of involvement of target group in Youth Development Programmes
• The child of only 1/37 respondents is currently involved (3%).
Types of programmes being attended
• The programme attended by the only attendee from the target group, is that offered by the Muslim Youth Movement, on a weekly basis at Reservoir Hills Senior Secondary at no cost Willingness to involve own children in Youth Development Programmes
• 3 0 / 3 6 (83%) of the Respondents whose children are not currently involved would like to engage them in a Youth Programme
Reasons for wanting Youth to attend Youth Programmes Three major reasons :
• Meeting children with similar interests / learning to bond with other youth and share ideas; knowledge and skills, particularly in coping with peer pressure
• Sharing views and knowledge that will uplift them socially, making them better members of society, helping them understand it and contribute to meeting its needs for a better future
• Become involved in community affairs / serving / helping the community
• 100% support
Types of programmes that respondents felt should be offered (in priority order)
• Community service
• Self awareness
• Social skills
• Leadership
• Work skills
• Other : Sport; Life skills; Counselling; Educational upliftment Additional adult concerns / comments
• Youth Development Programme is necessary in Reservoir Hills / long overdue
• Our Youth need to learn to meet the needs of the community, particularly the disadvantaged
• Programmes should be specifically orientated for teenagers, be accessible and preferably free.
• The Youth Development Programme should be integrated into the school curriculum.
• Hopes were expressed for the success of the programme and for commitment on the part of the researcher to see the process through.
• Emphasis was placed on the need for supervision of the programme.
The Research Hypothesis
The research hypothesis that was posed at the beginning of this study was :
Whilst the initiation of Youth Development Programmes has in the past focused on the perceived needs of Youth,
the sustainability of such programmes is dependent on adult support.
The data from the survey indicated very clearly that adults (parents) of Youth have not been involved in or are unaware of Youth Development Programmes that may have been
offered in the past. Their responses demonstrate their willingness to be involved and this augurs well for the sustainability of the project. They are looking for accountability and responsible organization and monitoring of whatever will be offered.
4.3 Recommendations / Implications of the study
1) Feedback should be given to all stakeholders, particularly the respondents, regarding the findings of the study.
2) Negotiations should begin hereafter to survey the Youth in the New school - year* to determine the need for a Youth Development Programme from a Youth Perspective.
3) Once the Youth survey is completed, the results must be conveyed to the Youth and the adults.
4) The recommendations from the Youth Survey, combined with the recommendations of the adult survey must then determine the way forward.
5) Adult involvement must remain an integral part of the entire process.
(*Pupils are currently writing exams and stay away from school as soon they finish. Many pupils go away on holiday. It would therefore be non-productive to initiate a survey now)