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Teenage caring in the Methodist church of southern Africa: The case of port Elizabeth north circuit

This research study sought to make a contribution regarding the Methodist Church's role in caring for teenagers in the Port Elizabeth North Circuit, and the study was conducted throughout the KwaZakhele, New Brighton, KwaMagxaki, KwaDwesi and Kleinskool areas. The aim of this study was to investigate teenage caring activities of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in the Port Elizabeth North Circuit and used three research objectives: to determine the nature and scope of the teenage caring activities of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in the Port Elizabeth North Circuit, to establish the way in which the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in the Port Elizabeth North Circuit engages in the teenage caring process in addition to the pastoral care philosophy and methods it utilizes, to ascertain the challenges, if any, the Methodist Church of Southern Africa faces in the Port Elizabeth North Circuit in the process of engaging in teenage caring activities. Followed by four research questions: What is the nature and scope of the teenage caring activities by the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in the Port Elizabeth North Circuit? How does the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in the Port Elizabeth North Circuit engage in the teenage caring process? What pastoral care philosophy and methods does it utilize? What challenges, if any, does the Methodist Church of Southern Africa face in the Port Elizabeth North Circuit in the process of engaging in teenage caring activities? This research study employed a pastoral care approach as the theoretical framework. Furthermore this study used qualitative methodology for this research. The study also used interviews complemented by focus group discussions as data collection methods. The study comprised 22 participants who remained anonymous, that were selected through the use of a purposive sampling technique. Thematic analysis was used for this research study as the way to analyze data from the participants. There is need for the MCSA to have the committees that will formulate structures for sustaining projects that will give an account of finance utilization as other teenagers dropped out from school due to financial problems. The MCSA should take into account all the special conditions associated with child abuse. The church should also be concerned about teenagers who are vulnerable and have no accommodation, food and clothes, and ascertain their actual living conditions. The MCSA, Department of Social Development, NGOs and the Department of Health should work together to strategize on structuring welfare of children in the community. There is need for a collaborative effort by different stakeholders to strategize on a fight against child abuse. The Methodist Church should develop a teenage care policy and integrate it with its existing polices. The Methodist Church of Southern Africa should integrate policy formulation so that work on teenagers may be established within the MCSA policy.

Full Name
Dr Xolisa Terrance Jibiliza
Programme