| Study Buddy Project
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STUDY BUDDY PROJECT
| Lecturer |
Dr L Naudé |
| Module details |
SIL604 Honours in Psychology |
| E-mail |
naudel@ufs.ac.za |
| Tel |
051 401 2189 |
| Community partner |
Learners in various secondary schools in the Bloemfontein and Mangaung area |
| Service partner |
Guidance teachers in various secondary schools in the Bloemfontein and Mangaung area |
Strongly linked to the UFS's commitment to social responsibility and greater responsiveness, is the challenge inherent in the praxis of community psychology: the quest and commitment towards social transformation. The discipline of community psychology strives towards redefining the role of psychology to include a broader portfolio embracing functions such as community mobilisation, advocacy and policy transformation. Keeping these contextual principles in mind, the value of service-learning in the praxis of community psychology seems to be evident.
In response to this, the Department of Psychology at the UFS became involved with the youth of Mangaung, our leaders of the future. In an attempt to prepare the youth for the leadership challenges they are faced with and to empower learners with the skills and knowledge to enjoy a higher quality of life, the Study Buddy project was launched in 1995. Focus areas include life skills development, study skills, career planning and personal enrichment. As a result of this, learners feel better equipped to face the challenges they encounter and teachers experience a marked improvement in learner's adjustment and behaviour.
As part of their credit-bearing activities, psychology students visit the respective schools under the supervision of the academic co-ordinator at of the Department of Psychology and the guidance teachers of the repective schools.
As a direct result of the Study Buddy project, it is envisaged that psychology students will be equipped with the competence to plan, implement and evaluate community counselling interventions in order to facilitate the growth and development of individuals, groups and communities. This includes knowledge of the principles and procedures relating to the counselling of individuals, groups and communities, practical skills in the application and evaluation of the above procedures and interventions, as well as a sensitivity regarding preventative and developmental counselling strategies aimed at contributing towards the welfare of the broader community. Ultimately, students develop a theory-based, integrated frame of reference from which the practice of community psychology can be performed.
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