SOCIAL CHANGE REQUIRES JUSTICE, NOT CHARITY

In honour of President Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy, South Africa and the rest of the globe will observe Mandela Day on July 18, 2023. As part of this celebration, we are encouraged to consider the ideals, beliefs, and philosophy that Nelson Mandela upheld and to accept the duty of improving our communities. Some of the values and goals of community psychology include promoting health and wellbeing of people in a caring and compassionate manner, respecting human diversity and dignity, social justice and empowering communities to be active agents of change.

“#ItIsInYourHands” is the topic for this year, and it is a call to action for us to address and reduce climate change, inequality, and food insecurity. These are problems that affect not just the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities, but also our planet. We have the key to finding answers to these issues. How do we as psychologist contribute to the health and wellbeing of our fellow human beings as well as our beloved planet in a caring and compassionate way? How do we maintain our optimism in the face of a world that is undergoing rapid change?

Mandela understood that in order for us to end poverty, we need not see it as a work of charity but rather as an act of justice. This was one of his pearls of wisdom. He thought that because poverty is a result of human activity, human activity is required to combat and eradicate it. He further believed that the significance of the life we lead is determined by the difference we have made in the lives of others. Like poverty, climate change is also a problem that is caused and exacerbated by the actions of us the custodians of this beautiful planet. Challenging times requires us to remain hopeful and to imagine differently. Perhaps on the occasion of Mandela Day, we should pause, think, and learn from indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous communities’ understanding of how to coexist peacefully and respectfully with one another and the environment. Mother Nature is speaking to all of us and it is time that we listen to the feedback she is giving us so that we can bring about the necessary changes that are required to restore harmony.

Are you listening to the painful cry of our people and our beloved Mother Nature? The Community and Social Psychology division invites you to take action to reduce climate change, reduce inequality and poverty, and support and strengthen your communities. Let’s join together in solidarity and reduce climate change, inequity and poverty. It’s in our hands after all!

–By Ms Dene du Rand 

On behalf of CaSP 

On June 16th, South Africa observes Youth Day, a time to honour the bravery and resilience of the youth who fought against apartheid’s oppressive regime. As we commemorate their struggle, it is crucial to recognise the role of psychology in accelerating collaborations and creating opportunities to improve the lives of South African youth. By understanding young people’s psychological needs and challenges, we can develop effective strategies to empower and support their growth.

Psychology plays a fundamental role in addressing the socio-emotional well-being of the youth. South African youth often face unique challenges, such as intergenerational trauma, high levels of stress, and limited access to mental health resources (Adonis, 2016; Kim et al., 2023). These factors can profoundly impact their overall development and hinder their ability to reach their full potential. By focusing on psychology, we can better understand and address these challenges.

Collaboration between psychologists, educators, and policymakers is crucial in developing comprehensive programs that promote mental health and resilience among young people (Wiedermann et al., 2023; Cavioni et al., 2020). It is essential to prioritise mental health support in public institutions such as schools, colleges, and universities. The aim is to provide accessible counselling services, psychoeducation programs, and stress management techniques. Integrating psychological support within educational institutions can create safe and nurturing environments that foster emotional well-being and academic success (Biglan et al., 2012; Weare, 2015).

Collaboration is not limited to the educational sphere alone. Public-private partnerships can play a pivotal role in expanding youth access to mental health services (Azzopardi et al., 2021). By working together, the government, private sector, and mental health organisations can establish community-based centres that provide affordable and culturally sensitive counselling services (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Mobile applications and online platforms can also be utilised to reach a wider audience and provide resources for self-help and early intervention (Naslund et al., 2019).

Another advent that can be utilised is using Psychology principles to create opportunities for the youth by focusing on career guidance and personal development.  Research has shown that career guidance is a powerful tool to assist in bridging the gap between high school education and the working world (Ibrahim, 2014). Furthermore, career guidance programs will assist students in understanding their potential and making the correct educational and vocational choices (Ombaba, 2014).

Psychological assessments and career counselling can assist the youth of today in many aspects. These mechanisms can help to identify their strengths, interests, and aspirations, guiding them towards fulfilling career paths (Lowman, 2022; Robertson, 2013). Mentorship is another key mechanism that can aid in career development. Mentorship programs are when experienced professionals provide advice, guidance and support to others. Evidence suggests that engaging with mentorship can further enhance their personal growth, professional prospects, job performance and leadership development (Ghosh, 2013; Scandura & Williams, 2004).

Psychological interventions can be instrumental in empowering marginalised youth, such as those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities (Eichas et al., 2017; Colizzi et al., 2020). Some of the psychological barriers that marginalised youth may face include low self-esteem or limited self-efficacy (Morton & Montgomery, 2013). By addressing these issues, we can help them develop resilience and a positive mindset. Empowerment programs that focus on building life skills, enhancing self-awareness, and promoting a sense of agency can equip them with the tools necessary to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities (Iwasaki, Y. (2016).

Principles in psychology can be used to foster social cohesion and promote understanding among diverse youth populations. South Africa is a multicultural and multilingual country. Young people from different backgrounds often face challenges related to identity, discrimination, and prejudice (Adjai & Lazaridis, 2013; Muller, 2017). Through initiatives like intergroup dialogue, diversity training, and cultural exchange programs, psychology can facilitate collaboration and promote a sense of unity among the youth, breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive society (Aldana et al., 2012; Adams et al., 2018; Brown, 2020).

As we celebrate Youth Day, let us recognise the power of psychology in accelerating collaborations and creating opportunities for South African youth. By prioritising mental health, providing comprehensive support systems, and fostering personal growth, we can empower young people to overcome challenges and thrive in all aspects of their lives. Through collaboration between psychologists, educators, policymakers, and community organisations, we can build a society that nurtures the psychological well-being of the youth, enabling them to become resilient, empowered individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the nation as a whole.

References

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