Department of Social Science

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Poverty mapping in Namibia
(1997) Van Rooy, Gert
Towards appropriate, accessible information networks in developing communities
(1998) Jacobs, Veronica
Prevention activities on substance abuse in Namibian secondary schools
(University of Namibia, 1998) Maree, Maretha
Namibia is part of the African Continent and is situated in the South Western part of Africa. 20% of the total surface of our country is taken up by the Namib Desert. We have a population of l.S million people. 32% of the population lives in urban and 63% in rural areas. There are 1 1 cultural groups, of which the Ovambo's are the biggest (49%). Teenagers-Against-Drug-Abuse (TADA) can be described as a primary prevention programme aimed at Secondary school learners, ages 13 to 21 years. This programme started in 1992 in one of the secondary schools in Windhoek and has developed into a country wide project, involving 25 schools, 10 of which are situated in the rural areas.
Kinship and family life of the Herero
(2000) Tanskanen, Kirsti
Seminar on using the internet for professional development
(University of Namibia, 2000) Beukes-Amiss, Catherine M.
Adolescent sexuality in Namibia: An analysis of sexual knowledge, attitudes and practices among secondary school learners in Katutura
(2001) Yamakawa, Sayumi
A post-structural investigation in the construction of meaning and understanding
(2002) Greiner-Brezillon, Michele; ;
Living with HIV - The psychological relevance of meaning making
(University of Namibia, 2003) Meiring, Nikki P.
HIV is considered a global disease, infecting and affecting the lives of millions of people. So far, the psychological experience of being HIV-positive has not yet been investigated sufficiently. The aim of this study is to explore how HIV-infected individuals evaluate their own lives, particularly how they find meaning in living with this life-threatening virus and how they cope with their HIV-positive status by making meaning out of it. Work done on meaning making and coping by Park & Folkman (1997) informs this study and provides the theoretical framework. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who were diagnosed as HIV-positive, but had not yet developed AIDS. The data was then analyzed by means of a circular deconstruction method developed by Jaeggi & Faas (1991). Fifteen dimensions relevant to meaning making and coping processes were identified. The results showed that all interviewees experienced their HIV diagnosis as a critical life event and felt largely responsible for its occurrence. They experienced self-blame, inter alias, and chose to accept the situation - even when they were not entirely responsible for contracting the virus. The study also revealed that almost half of those interviewed thought about ending their lives after the diagnosis. This was because they felt that they could not change or alter the situation. However, it did not influence their goal-making behavior, and most of the interviewees appeared to still make plans for the future. Planning or making goals could be an important expression of hope, which is crucial for meaning making and for coping. Through hope, individuals can experience a sense of control. Interviewees showed both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping mechanisms and tried to integrate the experience of being HIV-positive into their lives as much as possible. Those who were employed, as well as those who received counselling or similar support, also showed a better sense of coping with the disease than those who had no such support. Interestingly, almost all interviewees expressed the fact that being HIV-positive has brought a change in their spiritual life. Some mentioned that they have had complete religious conversions. These findings are an expression of meaning making and could explain why interviewees have not given up hope and have been able to maintain their perception of control over life.
Understanding children and adolescents grieving: A study of the perspectives of adults on children's bereavement process in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2003) Gous, D.
This research study aimed to bring about greater insight into the topic of bereavement, especially with regards to children and adolescents. Questions that were answered included: How and why do people grieve? How can one help a person to cope with his/her grief? How do children grieve, and is it different from adults' grief? What do adults understand by children’s reactions to loss? The sample population was pre-defined according to the following characteristics. Primary and secondary caregivers of children (between the ages of eight (8) and eighteen (18), who have lost either one of their parents during the past three (3) years) were contacted to participate voluntarily in the study and to supply information with regards to children’s grief processes. Data generation took place through the collection of data from semi-structured individual interviews with ten (10) participants. Four primary caregivers and six secondary caregivers participated in the study. A total of fourteen children were discussed in the interviews by the different participants. The interview data was transcribed verbatim and the text was reduced to include only those text parts where the participant spoke about the grieving child, the deceased or the participant’s own beliefs and reactions to death. The text was analyzed by using the Summarizing Content Analysis technique of Philip Mayring’s Qualitative Content Analysis. It was then interpreted within the theoretical frameworks of the attachment theory of John Bowlby and William Worden, and the attribution theory of Bernard Weiner. Due to the small sample size of the study, it was difficult to draw any significant conclusions from the data. However, tentative interpretations of the data pointed to a difference between primary and secondary caregivers’ understanding of childhood grief, as well as a dissimilarity between the recorded understanding of childhood grief and the predictions from academic literature. This emphasized a need for psycho-education in the field of childhood bereavement for adults who are dealing with children who may have lost significant people in their lives. It became all the more necessary in the light of findings about the number of orphans in Namibia and developing countries generally, and it was suggested that future studies might consider entering this vast, unexplored field.
Sharing knowledge for community development and transformation: A handbook
(2004) Mchombu, Kingo; Evans, Gwynneth; Bruton, Kelly; Cocks, Andrea
The handbook comes from hours of discussion and exchange during workshops and symposia on information, knowledge and community development in the Horn of Africa. Kingo Mchombu led these discussions. He introduced the Community Information Resource Centre (CIRC) as the tool that serves the purpose of development. Men and women responded to the training sessions and asked the Horn of Africa Capacity Building Programme (HOACBP) to provide a handbook that the partners could use in their local situations. The second edition of the Handbook is the result of an evaluation of the first edition by HOACBP partners who had used it in their communities. Some minor editorial changes have been made to the original text. At their request, a few new sections and two chapters have been added. They expand the work to include the current state of development in Africa, the importance of HIV/AIDS information resource centres (chapter 6) and an assessment of the developments in Ethiopia (chapter 7). These additions bring the text up-to-date and increase its value as a community development tool.
Psychological effects of affirmative action
(University of Namibia, 2004) Tjiramba, Agnes M.
The present study was conducted within the qualitative research paradigm with the aim to explore the psychological aspects of affirmative action in the Namibian context. It was against this background that Attribution Theory was used as a framework for the investigation of affirmative action. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, thus interview guidelines were developed, one for the target group members and one for non-target group members. The interviews were evaluated with Qualitative Content Analysis. The participants in the present study consisted of six affirmative action target and four non-target group members at middle or high management level. They were chosen through judgmental or purposive sampling method. The results of this study were reported under six categories such as general perception about affirmative action, experience of affirmative action at the workplace, emotional reactions towards affirmative action, stigmatization and coping, self-perception/self-evaluation and perception of affirmative action appointees. The main conclusions drawn from this study were that the majority of the interviewees felt that associations with affirmative action affect impressions of an individual’s work orientation and effectiveness. It was also found that the interviewees believed that affirmative action could eliminate discrimination if implemented fairly but yet can perpetuate another form of discrimination. The results were presented based on attempts of interpretation and recommendations for creating more insight in the psychological aspects of affirmative action in employment.
Using the internet for social science research
(University of Namibia, 2004) Mchombu, Kingo; Beukes-Amiss, Catherine M.
It is estimated that Internet users around the world are over 200 million (Clarke 1998). Others have claimed that by 2005, Internet users will number one billion. Chadwick notes that few technologies have generated as much interest, paranoia, and hype as the Internet (Chadwick 1998). Apart from its vast reach, another characteristic of the Internet is the fast development of the technology. In fact the technology is developing so fast that it seems capable of running ahead of definitions. As recently as 1999, for example, the Internet was defined as "a large number of interconnected computers in a single cooperative global system". To date, such a definition would be inadequate because of the rapid advances in technology. An appropriate definition would have to include: Satellite technology, Wireless applications (WAP), 1-mode (wireless Internet connection via cell-phones), TV sets, to mention but a few possibilities.
The impact of the diffusion of ICTs into educational practices
(Nera, 2005) Beukes-Amiss, Catherine M.; Chiware, Elisha R.
ICTs have been seen as the missing technologies i11 the developme11t of Africa. Over the last decade we have witnessed the deployment of ICTs into various sectors in Africa, including education. This paper aims to evaluate whether the impact of the diffusion of ne1v technologies into educational practices, in developing countries, and in Namibia in particular, has brought about any meaningful changes, knowing that educational planners all over the world are forced in one way or another to use new technologies as part of educational practices. Moreover it examines with specific emphasis what is happening in Africa compared to where we are in Namibia, trying to answer the questions: Is diffusion ofJ CTs into educatio11al practices something good or something bad? Is the educational system ready for such investments or just creating further digital divides between rich urban schools and poor rural schools? The paper follows a methodological sryle of reviewing existing literature, as welL as initiatives aiming toward diffusiOII of ICTs into Namibian schools and the role of government. It concludes in highlighting some of the current debates of the impact of ICTs in developing countries, and the educational sector in particul01:
Towards education for all
((NOLNet) Namibian Open Learning Network Trust, 2005) Beukes-Amiss, Catherine M.; Mufeti, Kauna
In acquiring new software/ an organization can either, {1) buy ready-made software/ {2) download open source software/ or (3) develop their own software from scratch. With a lot of debates about Open Source Software (OSS) or Proprietary Software/ it becomes imperative to look at the benefits and challenges of using OSS instead of Proprietary Software. The real benefit of OSS is in terms of freedom of access to the source code to be able to customize it to suit your need􀃚 and in some cases it is also free in terms of purchase charge􀃚 and software licensing (O.S.S. Africa/ 2005). This paper highlights direct benefits and challenges of using open source software. The benefi􀃛s among other, are reliabili� stabili􀃞 cos􀃜 flexibility and freedom (gbdirect 2005) and some of the challenges are limited support from developer􀃚 and the level of programming knowledge require􀃝 which is often lacking in organizations. It concludes focusing on the experiences of using an open source Learning Management System (LMS) for e-Learning activities/ at the University of Namibia.
Libraries, literacy and poverty reduction: a key to African development
(2006) Mchombu, Kingo; Cadbury, Nicola
This paper examines the role of libraries as providing support in relation to two areas of knowledge, namely, literacy and survival information. Libraries play an important role in the acquisition, maintenance and development of literacy skills. They achieve this through offering access to reading materials that are relevant, stimulating, enjoyable or useful. Pleasure in reading, which in turn helps to foster a lifelong reading habit, is often experienced in the library in which readers gain their first opportunity to pick a book of their own choice. Libraries are also important for providing practical information that can be used to facilitate development, whether for seeking employment, understanding rights, learning a skill, checking a fact or developmental information, in health, agriculture, education and small businesses.
Handling spirituality/ religion in professional training
(Springer, 2006) Patel, Cynthia Joan; Shikongo, Armas E.
With increasing research interest in the relationship between spirituality/religion and mental health, the present study uses semi-structured interviews on a select group of Muslim students to explore their understanding and handling of spirituality in a secular training programme. Their understanding of spirituality, its perceived role in therapy and their training experiences are subjected to qualitative analysis using the framework approach (Ritchie & Spencer, 1994. In A. Bryman & R.G. Burgess (Eds), Analysing Qualitative Data. London: Routledge). All five participants perceived spirituality as central to human functioning. Probes into their training experience uncovered issues of bias against religious applicants, apprehension about demonstrating religious commitment, fear of punishment for compromising religious integrity, better rapport with Muslim patients but general uncertainty about handling spiritual issues in therapy, and a strong desire for the integration of spirituality/religion in the program.
Harnessing Knowledge Management for Africa’s Transition to the 21st Century
(SAGE, 2007) Mchombu, Kingo
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the factors which make knowledge management an important resource for accelerating the development of Africa as we move into the 21st century. As African information specialists we are faced with the urgent challenge of making our full contribution to ongoing efforts, in our respective countries, to end poverty and underdevelopment on our continent. The key objective of this paper is thus to answer the question: What are the methods that information and knowledge management can use to address poverty and underdevelopment in Africa? In addressing this topic, the paper raises the following sub-questions: 1. What are the basic concepts underlying the information and knowledge management revolution? 2. How best can Africa manage the transition process to an information and knowledge-based economy? 3. What role does knowledge management play in national development? 4. What challenges face information specialists in the knowledge revolution era? In addition to this introduction, this paper has five other parts. The next part provides basic concepts and definitions of knowledge management. The third part explores the management of the transition process from an agricultural society to an information and knowledge-based society. The fourth part focuses on the role information and knowledge plays in human development. The fifth part continues the exploration by analysing specific sectors of national development, and the sixth part looks at the challenges for information specialists in the knowledge revolution era.
Establishment of a multi-stakeholder e-Learning Centre in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2007) Beukes-Amiss, Catherine M.
This presentation looks at Namibia, a large country with a small widely dispersed population with several regions in need of e-services for all, but with a strong vision to avoid duplication of efforts. Furthermore, it looks at the very diverse educational institutions and primary-secondary, tertiary and private-vocational training institutions and governmental divisions. All at different levels of e-activities and services. The presentation argues the great need to bring multiple stakeholders together and use one common Learning Management System (LMS).
The information needs for poverty eradication in the context of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at Grenwell Matongo in Katutura, Windhoek
(2007) Mchombu, Kingo
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the eradication of poverty are two concerns that are wieldy supported by the Namibian Government, the United Nations and bilateral agencies. However within Africa, not much research has been done on what role libraries and community information resource centres can play towards meeting the goals of the MDG programme and the eradication of poverty. The City of Windhoek, through the Vantaa-Windhoek project, which addresses among others, promotion of culture of reading and enhancement of access to development information to communities in informal settlements. Both partners were keen to establish the information needs situation of the community to fight poverty and deprivation. Thus this report presents findings from the study carried out at Grenwell Matongo, Katutura, Windhoek, on information needs for poverty eradication in the context of MDGs. Focus group discussion were conducted with three groups consisting of young females, young males, and adults respectively. In addition, participants participated in drawing Venn diagrammes on various aspects of their information needs and use behaviours when dealing with poverty issues. The participants described the high levels of poverty in their community, and the low levels of hygiene and sanitation. There was recognition that education for children is important to overcome poverty. Poor facilities for homework at home, low parental support because of low level of education and hunger among learners make learning difficult. Gender relations are marked by alcohol related violence and rapes. The rates of HIV/AIDS and TB infections were thought to be high but kept secret because of fear of stigma. There were serious environmental problems in the community because of the use of inflammable fuel sources such as paraffin and candles in the corrugated iron shacks. The community information centre in the settlement is used intensively by young people to obtain educational information and for study facilities. Adults however, indicated that they only use the community information centre marginally, mainly for photocopying and literacy classes purposes. Recommendations are made on how to address the identified information needs of the community and capacity building in the context of MDG and poverty eradication. Overall the youth appeared to have a richer information environment with more sources and channels for accessing and sharing information compared to adults in the community, some of who appeared isolated disempowered and complained that no one listened to them. The key recommendations from this study include the following: Capacity building through the creation of a broad based information centre committee to provide advice and direction; expanding the range of information provided to the community, more facilities, expanding the size of the information centre to enable it to undertake more responsibilities, and introducing skills based and discussion forums into the information dissemination strategy. The need to network with other development agencies was also recommended as a way of providing support for the work being done at the centre.
Overview and information issues concerning the HIV/AIDS situation in Africa
(2007) Mchombu, Kingo; Mchombu, Chiku M.
The paper examines the information and knowledge issues concerning the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. The paper starts by presenting an overview of the HIV/AIDS pandemic citing evidence which shows clearly HIV/AIDS is spread out in Africa, the hardest hit continent. The impact of HIV on the youth, women and girls, and orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs) is explored and reasons for the high levels of infections presented. This outline provides the backdrop for analyzing the HIV/AIDS information and knowledge issues which include overlapping information functions and responsibilities which have led to the emergence of a non traditional scientific communication model; the absence of an HIV/AIDS infostructure and infrastructure at grassroots level leading to an information vacuum in places away from the major urban areas; and the negation of the impact of information on behaviour change because of socio-economic and cultural factors. The final section proposes knowledge management at national and grassroots level as the best way to improve the local production, transfer and sharing of HIV/AIDS knowledge and information in Africa which will lead to innovation and concrete action to curb the spread of the disease.

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