African Journal of Social Work
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajsw
<p>The <em>African Journal of Social Work </em>is an international refereed journal that serves as a forum for exchanging ideas and knowledge and discussing issues relevant to social work practice, education and research in the African region. Producing 2 issues a year, the Journal is published by the National Association of Social Workers (Zimbabwe) and is committed to reflecting culturally relevant and appropriate social work practice in Africa. Social work is seen as a broad-based profession that can vary from individual casework to community development and policy-related concerns.</p> <p>African Journal of Social Work (AJSW) content is licensed under a <a title="Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License</a>.</p>National Association of Social Workers, Zimbabween-USAfrican Journal of Social Work1563-3934The copyright belongs to: National Association of Social Workers Zimbabwe.Findings from a national evaluation of social work field education programs in Liberia, West Africa
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajsw/article/view/263757
<p>Program evaluation is an integral component of social work field education and continuous social work programmatic improvement. To conduct an inaugural national survey of social work field education programs in Liberia, West Africa, Made in Africa Evaluation (MAE) was used to design and implement a national evaluation of social work field education programs. The evaluation was led by and implemented with Liberian social work faculty and staff. Thirty-six field supervisors completed a quantitative survey. Results were used to assist programs identify strengths and areas for improvement. The MAE approach guided analysis and discussion of evaluation results. Findings revealed an emerging credentialed and experienced pool of field supervisors with high exposure and endorsement of human rights concepts, which was a strength. Field agencies were clustered in the city center of Montserrado County, the county seat for Monrovia-Liberia’s capital. Field agencies’ missions and services aligned with health, education, and gender equality sustainable development goals. Field agency supervisors provided few opportunities for students to practice macro based developmental social work activities such as advocacy and community work, an area identified as needing improvement. Challenges included Liberian social work faculty’s lack of experience in conducting evaluation research, insufficient access to scholarly databases to obtain research articles, and expensive data management platforms. Collaboration was recommended as a strategy to build evaluation capacity. </p> <p><strong>How to reference using ASWNet style:</strong></p> <p>Tuggle, F., Banks, S. and Gbessage, S. (2023). Findings from a national evaluation of social work field education programs in Liberia, West Africa. African Journal of Social Work, 13(6), 273-284. <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.1">https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.1</a></p> <p><strong>Visit journal website:</strong> <a href="https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net">https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net</a></p>Felicia TuggleSevaughn BanksSylvestine Gbessage
Copyright (c) 2024 African Journal of Social Work
2023-12-302023-12-3013627328410.4314/ajsw.v13i6.1Social work ethos in indigenous Shona music: a qualitative content analysis of the song Mugariro (Ephat Mujuru, 1994) through Ubuntu philosophy and Ukama construct in Zimbabwe
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajsw/article/view/263758
<p>Several analysts working within the dominant Western paradigms are unwilling to evaluate and examine their indigenous perspectives as they find their structures to be culturally dependent rather than logical. Inspired by the principles of decolonial social work, this article analyses the song Mugariro (a way of living) by Ephat Mujuru, 1994, through the African philosophy of Ubuntu and its construct of ukama (relatedness/ relationality). Utilizing qualitative content analysis, this paper latently explores the song Mugariro and reflects on themes such as a good way of life, Ukama (relatedness/ relationality), an extension of Ukama to non-humans, global citizenship and spirituality in social work. The paper calls for social workers willing to work towards decolonial social work to tap into the knowledge in their localities and integrate it with social work knowledge were possible.</p> <p><strong>How to reference using ASWNet style:</strong></p> <p>Chigangaidze, R. K. (2023). Social work ethos in indigenous Shona music: a qualitative content analysis of the song Mugariro (Ephat Mujuru,1994) through Ubuntu philosophy and Ukama construct in Zimbabwe. African Journal of Social Work, 13(6), 285-293. <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.2">https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.2</a></p> <p><strong>Visit journal website:</strong> <a href="https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net">https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net</a></p>Robert Chigangaidze
Copyright (c) 2024 African Journal of Social Work
2023-12-302023-12-3013628529310.4314/ajsw.v13i6.2Personal communication as a phenomenon in Algerian society: an ethnographic study on a sample of families in the state of M'Sila
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajsw/article/view/263759
<p>This study was conducted in the province of M’Sila, Algeria, to understand the patterns of personal communication the patterns refer to the exchange of information, ideas, opinions, or emotions between two or more individuals in a direct and personal manner, typically through verbal or nonverbal means such as face-to-face conversations, phone calls, video chats, or written messages. It can occur between friends, family members, within families and its importance in strengthening family relationships. The researchers used Ethnographic methodology as a technique to reach the participants observation and interview tools to analyze the patterns of personal communication within families. The study showed that personal communication within families is continuous and characterized by affection, love, and respect, and there are differences in personal communication patterns between older and younger generations. The study also indicated that personal communication plays an important role in building family relationships, enhancing communication, and empathy among family members. The results of this study can be used to design training and educational programs to promote personal communication within families and enhance family relationships, thus promoting family health and stability.</p> <p><strong>How to reference using ASWNet style:</strong></p> <p>Takiedddine Y & Taqiyeddine B. (2023). Personal communication as a phenomenon in Algerian society: an ethnographic study on a sample of families in the state of M'Sila. African Journal of Social Work, 13(6), 294-302. <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.3">https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.3</a></p> <p><strong>Visit journal website:</strong> <a href="https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net">https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net</a></p>Yahia TakiedddineBelabes Taqiyeddine
Copyright (c) 2024 African Journal of Social Work
2023-12-302023-12-3013629430210.4314/ajsw.v13i6.3A model of blended family (stepfamily) formation in Ethiopia: a constructivist grounded theory
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajsw/article/view/263761
<p>This study aimed at developing a model that describes and explains blended family formation in Ethiopia. It is part of an ongoing dissertation entitled “Family functioning experiences of blended families in Ethiopia.” We employed constructivist grounded theory both as a method and result of inquiry. This theory states that knowledge is constructed out of the dynamic interaction between the researcher, participants, and the context. Accordingly, we were informed by the guiding principles, data organization and analytical tools the theory provides. We interviewed fourteen participants drawn from seven families. We developed a model that depicted the major contributing factors to blend, and the procedures partners use to form their families in the context of Ethiopia. The study identified the state partners were in, categorized as problem state and aspiration state, before blending as contributing factors. Problem state refers to the challenging situation partners were in due to several factors. Aspiration state refers to the situation of partners who were seeking for a marriage partner for the betterment of their life. The result also showed partners’ decision and action of blending were influenced by community and family members involvement. We discussed the results in light of the Ubuntu philosophy, the Ukama and the Ujamaa African theories. Finally, we provided recommendations that would give insight to enhance the quality of blended family formation in Ethiopia.</p> <p><strong>How to reference using ASWNet style:</strong></p> <p>Fikre, K & Minaye, A. (2023). A model of blended family (stepfamily) formation in Ethiopia: a constructivist grounded theory African Journal of Social Work, 13(6), 303-311. <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.4">https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.4</a></p> <p><strong>Visit journal website:</strong> <a href="https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net">https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net</a></p>Kumneger FikreAbebaw Minaye
Copyright (c) 2024 African Journal of Social Work
2023-12-302023-12-3013630331110.4314/ajsw.v13i6.4Leveraging Ubuntu values and principles as cultural strength to overcome mental health and emotional wellbeing issues
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajsw/article/view/263762
<p>There is a need for African people living in Australia to consider leveraging Ubuntu values as a cultural strength to address mental health and emotional wellbeing issues. for African people living in Australia. This paper is a systematic review research which employed key terms such as mental health, emotional wellbeing, African Australian, Young people. There were no participants involved, however the research articles that were reviewed in the study only focused on the African Australian community. Mental health issues among African Australian youth need to be better understood, as studies have shown they are at a higher risk for mental health, yet there has been insufficient research on the topic. In this study, most articles we employed highlighted that the extensive research on that reported migrants to be at ten times higher risk of experiencing mental health issues compared to the general population. Many studies carried out in the African Australian community have drawn more attention to the African Australian culture. This raises the need for research to be conducted on African Australian young people aged 15-29 years which is the Australian age range of a young person, to sensitize the African Australian community on mental health issues, and factors leading to young people's mental health problems in African Australian society. The aim of the study was to raise awareness about mental health issues facing the African, Australian young people and suggesting ways forward to support young people. The finding of the study demonstrates significance and values to address mental health issues in African-Australian Community groups. Research asserted that young immigrants are at greater risk of developing mental illness due to resettlement, cultural transition, and separation from extended family members. Young people lacking a secure base for emotional support from their families are more likely to face mental health issues in their lives. Mental health issues in the African context may not be categorized as a vast problem, but instead identified as life circumstances that every individual encounter. Since mental health subject is a taboo in the African culture, the study encouraged young people to pair up with other African youths to create awareness and advocate to access mental health services should need arise. This study encourages young people and their families from African heritage to leverage Ubuntu values and principles as their cultural strengths in dealing with challenging issues such as mental health and emotional wellbeing issues.</p> <p><strong>How to reference using ASWNet style:</strong></p> <p>Kagola F. & Abur W. (2023). Leverage Ubuntu values and principles as cultural strength to overcome mental health and emotional well-being issues. African Journal of Social Work, 13(6), 312-324. <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.5">https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.5</a></p> <p><strong>Visit journal website:</strong> <a href="https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net">https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net</a></p>Frieda KagolaWilliam Abur
Copyright (c) 2024 African Journal of Social Work
2023-12-302023-12-3013631232410.4314/ajsw.v13i6.5Building economic strengthening programmes for youth in South Africa: determinants of success and failure
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajsw/article/view/263763
<p>Africa, conceptually, geographically, politically, economically, religiously and socially is in bondage and this bondage is South Africa has one of the worst youth unemployment problems in the world. The high rate of youth unemployment results in multi-dimensional range of social challenges that negatively affect the wider community and economy. Social workers in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are adopting economic strengthening programmes (ESP) to empower unemployed youth. However, factors that are key to determining success of ESP are not precisely understood. The study utilised qualitative case study research design. Data was collected using in-depth interviews from 30 purposively selected youth aged 15–24 years, 6 NGO practitioners and 5 Department of Social Development (DSD). The Ubuntu philosophy was used as a theory for analysing and interpreting data. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Fort Hare. The aim of the study was to explore the determinants of youth’s success in ESP in South African NGOs. Findings established that lack of access to start-up finance, poor links to strategic partnerships and mentorship platforms were inhibiting factors for youth to establish successful enterprises. The study recommends social workers and NGOs to merge efforts and resources with other stakeholders to foster implementation of effective ESP in marginalised communities.</p> <p><strong>How to reference using ASWNet style:</strong></p> <p>Zibengwa, E. & Tanga, P. T. (2023). Building economic strengthening programmes for youth in South Africa: determinants of success and failure. African Journal of Social Work, 13(3), 325-332. <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.6">https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.6</a></p> <p><strong>Visit journal website:</strong> <a href="https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net">https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net</a></p>Enock ZibengwaPius Tangwe Tanga
Copyright (c) 2024 African Journal of Social Work
2023-12-302023-12-3013632533210.4314/ajsw.v13i6.6