An evaluation of "Isolabantwana / Eye on the children" project in the North-West Province

Abstract

Background: As a result of the high incidence and increase of child abuse and neglect cases, a community-based child protection programme was developed in 1999. In 2003 received Child Welfare South Africa permission to implement the 'Isolabantwana/Eye on the children' project on national level. By the end of 2006 this project was implemented at 11 communities in the North-West Province. As part of the project's objectives, community members were recruited, screened and trained to be specialised child protection volunteers, but it transpired that volunteers often exit the project after a brief period of involvement. A need subsequently arose to evaluate the project with the focus on the volunteers' subjective experience of the 'Isolabantwana/Eye on the children' project. Objectives: The primary aim of the study was to describe the nature and character of the 'Isolabantwana/Eye on the children' project as well as to establish the reasons why volunteers terminate their volunteering services within the project with the purpose to determine whether the project needs to be cancelled or has to undergo changes to ensure the commitment of volunteers. Method: A triangulation research method was used. A semi-structured one-on-one interview schedule was developed and completed with 30 (15 active and 15 non-active) volunteers. The raw data and interpretations were given to an independent observer and verified with literature. Results: Through the triangulation process it was determined that the major reasons why volunteers discontinue their volunteering services involve a lack of organisational, personal and community support.