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Paternoster Outreach Program
Background
Along the West Coast of South Africa, you will find the little town of Paternoster. It is one of the oldest fishing villages in South Africa. While it is increasingly becoming a popular tourist attraction, this community is rife with socio-economic challenges. For generations, fishing has been the primary source of income for many and is now well known for its crayfish trading. Many of the youth have become involved in gang-related activites. It is not unheard of for school-going youths to miss school to go out fishing with their elders as this brings in much-needed income for their families.
All is not lost though, as an NPC has been established to make a difference for many families. Paternoster Peoples' Paternship provides skills training for adults that largely results in them finding work in the local guest houses, shops, and restaurants. Early childhood development and afterschool programs have also been established but this has not been without its challenges and currently, few children are enrolled in these. Those who are, have shown progress in school which is a testament to the quality of the service offered.
Outreach: The Plan
In July 2022, we were alerted to the need for a variety of psychological and social services in the Paternoster community. We were asked if there is some way in which the learners of this forgotten community could be assisted.
From 29 August to 02 September Carla, along with two Stellenbosch University BPsych Psychometry Interns, volunteered to conduct a series of 10 Cognitive and Scholastic assessments at the St. Augustine's Primary School. The purpose of the outreach was to:
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Engage with the school principal and educators to discuss the need for psychometric assessment as well as identify learners who would benefit from urgent assessments.
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Conduct cognitive and scholastic (psychometric) assessments for the identified learners to determine the level of academic intervention.
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Identify the needs of the community regarding other issues related to their youth. From this, it may be possible to start putting in place some intervention with other professionals who would be willing to offer online community-based volunteer work targeting certain needs.
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29 Aug - 02 Sept 2022
St Augustine's Primary School
The week started off with getting to know the school principal and educators. Discussions were held regarding the individual children who were identified as academically at risk and in need of assessment. A brief session was then held with the learners where a group assessment was conducted which allowed the team to observe the children in a group setting such as a classroom. This also offered the team some insight into the different personalities of the children who would be assessed which informed the individual approaches they would take for each child.
For the most part, the process ran smoothly although some adaptations to testing had to be accommodated for. This is the nature of psychometric assessment and a skill that is invaluable in practice.
Findings: Summary
Although, due to limitations imposed by confidentiality and consent, we cannot reveal any personal details, but we feel that it is important to point out some of the key findings.
It quickly became quite evident that some of the children were involved in substance use and the illegal crayfish trade. We also become aware of neglect and possible abuse. The assessment results highlighted trauma-based executive functioning challenges and associated difficult behavioural responses. Significant learning difficulties were uncovered for most of the children. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its related school disruptions was notable as most of the learners appeared to function at a level 2-years behind their current age or academic level.
In all, these baseline findings offer insights into the needs of the learners and their educators. Not only an academic level, but also in the larger context of socio-economic deprivation. There is still a great deal of work to do for this community, but with the team of BPsych interns led by Carla, we are hopeful that progress will be made.
Phase 2 of the Paternoster Outreach Program will start on 5 December 2022.
Comments from the BPsych Interns
- Kelly Kemp -
It was a great honour to work with a skill-and-resourceful psychometrist like Carla.
The Paternoster Outreach Program was a learning opportunity full of endless laughter and fun where I have made great memories.
It was really rewarding knowing that I can make a
difference in a child’s academic experience by identifying and addressing some of the learning barriers they face. Working with the different learners opened my eyes to the challenges they are faced with, which at times are difficult to address because of a lack of resources.
It was a humbling opportunity that made me realise just how
blessed I am and how much I take for granted daily.
The outreach program was a great experience that enhanced my development personally and professionally.
- Juan-Pierre -
The Paternoster outreach program initiated by Stellies Practice was a unique and eye-opening experience. As an intern, I found the program well-organised and well-managed.
The heartwarming effect and stories of the staff members and learners at Saint Augustine's Primary school will be held in our team's hearts forever.
Paternoster is a beautiful seaside town, and it was amazing to experience it a bit. Seeing the economic contrast between tourists and community members was a sad sight to behold and highlighted the neglect of this community.
There is a great need in the Paternoster area, and this outreach program will, in the long run, assist in bringing some hope to the community.
With Thanks
We would like to thank the following sponsors who made this program a reality.
Paternoster Peoples' Partnership
Blikkie Pizzeria
Wolfgat restaurant
Oep ve koep restaurant en winkel
Voorstrand Restaurant
Sanita van der Merwe
Chairperson and Liaison
Paternoster Peoples' Partnership
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