Page 66 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 8
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Christian Psychology as a Challenge
their own evaluation forms and made recom- At the end of the project was that sobering rea-
mendations for the next young and pregnant lization that no matter what organisation plans
project, which will most likely be in 2016. a project, projects are often not perfect. One re-
ason for this was the project was planned and
6. Process executed top-down among disregard for of the
The evaluation was conducted by assigning a real-life conditions of the people affected. The
questionnaire to both the girls and to the pro- results: the target groups cooperate only hal-
gram coordinators. The questionnaire was gi- tingly and demonstrate at times a great degree
ven to the girls during home visits and left for of apathy. Adolescents are not going to change
the girls to fill in to be collected on a subsequent their lifestyle habits overnight just because they
day are told to do so. In order to bring about change,
The overall feedback gathered from the girls the health care provider should work within the
was positive and the reflections of the coordi- context of the pregnant adolescent‘s current ha-
nators indicate how they were impacted by the bits, considering the context of family and cul-
project. However, it confirms the importance tural beliefs.
of community participation in the design and Written by Gloria Shileka
execution of a community project, rather than a This report illustrates how the principles of
top-down process. community psychology and action research
methodology were put into practice by one of
7. Reflections of the coordinators the ICP students.
Nicol - The program impacted me in many
ways. Seeing the girls facing so many challen- Conclusion
ges made me realize how thankful I should be. Community psychology provides an approach
Darleen losing her baby impacted me in a very that psychology practice that could benefit
personal way. It challenged me about who God whole societies and lead to social transforma-
is. His understanding is so much above mine. tion by means of psychological interventions
that are preventative in nature and systemical-
Jennieke- It was fulfilling to reach out to the ly oriented. The participatory philosophy un-
girls. As I am pregnant myself it was interesting derlying community psychology ensures that
to take part in the program and also learn more psychologists gain deeper understanding of the
about pregnancy. The program provided a uni- cultural diverse communities they serve. Chri-
que insight into what would be an appropriate stian Community Psychology gives expression
program for young Damara girls. to divine Grace by means of social activism
and social justice that embodies the character
Gloria – The program impacted me immensely, of Christ. It encompasses the Trans-human and
I’ve learned so much about pregnancy that I did spiritual dimension of existence and anchors
not know before the program. Some things in- theory and practice in God the Creator, God
trigued me and other things just outright terri- the Father and God, the Son.
fied me. I’ve seen how girls from impoverished
homes cope with being young and pregnant
and I’ve also seen the darker side of pregnancy,
which is losing a child only days after labour.
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