The provision of psycho-social support for young people in Chitungwiza District. A case of SOS International, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to assess the provision of psycho-social support for young persons in Chitungwiza under the Family Strengthening programme spearheaded by SOS International. The study adopts a mixed method approach. Mixed research approach was used to establish empirical associations between indicators of psychosocial support in Chitungwiza. All participants in this study were 18 years and older. In total, 25 participants were involved in the study with 5 officers participating in semi- structured interviews and 20 young people completed questionnaires during the study. The research participants were chosen based on their knowledge and experiences of the phenomenon of psychosocial challenges among the youths in Chitungwiza district. A number of themes emerged on the provision of psychosocial support programmes during data collection and interpretation. The study revealed there are various dimensions of psychological and social issues affecting young people in the community that include mental, suicidal tendencies, anxieties and poor self-concept as well as sexual abuse and teenage pregnancies. Overall, in terms of seeking support, 50 % young people expressed concerns of being judged by service providers and community, 15 % indicated that lack of information is a factor; 15 % outlined that centres that provide services are sometimes far from where they live and 20 % of young people lack motivation to receive such support. One of the panaceas identified in the study to reduce psychosocial problems among young people, is community engagement and advocacy to deal with the social issues that triggers psychological challenges. In addition, it was highlighted that there is need establish more Youth Friendly Centres that can help in cascading psychosocial programmes for young people to deal with the challenges they face in their everyday lives.