Exploring the value of a fieldwork practicum project at flood relief shelters in KwaZulu-Natal: Reflections of child and youth care students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24085/jsaa.v13i2.4996Keywords:
natural disasters, community outreach, child and youth careAbstract
This article captures data related to a community-based outreach program that was initiated to assist displaced families affected by the floods in the eThekwini district of KwaZulu-Natal. Guided by qualitative research methodology, eleven child and youth care students, from a university of technology were placed at two shelters to offer psychosocial support to those who had lost their homes and loved ones. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that these community members benefitted immensely from the services offered by students placed at the shelters and that exposure to the physical and emotional hardships of these families created opportunities for the students to utilise their disciplinary knowledge to offer psychosocial support. The study concluded that the university could play a significant role in empowering and supporting disadvantaged community members.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Raisuyah Bhagwan, Reggiswindis Thobile Hlengwa
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