Abstract #99  -  The experiences of volunteer care workers facilitating an intervention with young vulnerable children
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Dr Ronel Ferreira - University of Pretoria
Additional Authors:  Prof Irma Eloff, Ms Maryke Duvenhage, Ms Michelle Finestone, Proff Liesel Ebersohn, Prof Kathy Sikkema, Prof Brian Forsyth,
Aim: This paper reports on the experiences of volunteer care workers facilitating an intervention with three to five year old children affected by HIV/AIDS. The study forms part of a broader NIH-funded intervention trial – the Kgolo-Mmogo project. The project, inter alia, aims to investigate the possibility of strengthening resilience amongst children with HIV+ mothers, by means of structured intervention. Prior to participation in the intervention, as well as after completion of the programme, children are assessed in terms of general functioning, development and indicators of resilience. The development of the intervention was informed by existing theory on resilience, educational psychological intervention and support, as well as childhood development. The intervention was piloted during the first wave of the project and subsequently adapted. In this paper, we discuss the experiences of the care workers fulfilling the role of facilitators of the intervention.
Method / Issue: A qualitative approach was followed for this phase of the study, employing a case study design in exploring the perceptions and experiences of three facilitators. The first phase of data collection involved observation of five of the intervention sessions, to gain insight into the interaction and experiences of the care workers during their sessions with the children. Observations were documented in the form of field notes. Hereafter, a focus group was facilitated, during which the care workers’ experiences were explored in a semi-structured manner.
Results / Comments: Preliminary findings indicate that the role of facilitator entailed more than the care workers initially anticipated, involving diverse responsibilities. However, in fulfilling this role, care workers were provided with an opportunity to develop valuable skills, such as interpersonal skills, the skill of conflict management, being flexible and dealing with challenges. The care workers reportedly benefited from fulfilling the role of facilitators on both a professional and personal level, resulting in them experiencing meaningfulness in life, feelings of self-growth as well as enhanced competence in dealing with negative emotions. Lastly, care workers emphasised the importance of structure and thorough training for an intervention programme, as well as the value of debriefing sessions and support by colleagues in fulfilling the role of facilitators.
Discussion: In our paper, we contemplate how the findings of this phase of the Kgolo-Mmogo project may inform future programmes and involve participants from various sectors of society to fulfil a role in such intervention initiatives.
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