The experiences of grade 6 children at a mainstream urban primary school in Johannesburg on the effect of COVID-19 on their wellbeing
Date
2023-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic produced a plethora of mental and physical health issues. It was well understood that COVID-19 had affected the world in various ways, but little existed on how children in schools had been affected. With COVID-19 bringing about never seen before issues, this study explored how children were impacted by it. This research study allowed for an exploration of the experiences of grade 6 children in terms of how COVID-19 influenced their wellbeing whilst expected to focus on their schoolwork. As explored within this study, children in the school setting already have other school related stresses to deal with, COVID-19 was an unnecessary addition. A qualitative research approach and a phenomenological design was used in this research study. This research approach allowed for an in depth understanding of the children’s experiences. Purposive sampling, a type of non-probability sampling was used to sample seven grade 6 children to participate in the study. Data was collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. The collected data was analysed thematically. The research found that children were affected by COVID-19. Children shared how their learning looked different due to COVID-19 and how their relationships with others looked different due to the pandemic. This study also highlighted the level of understanding children had of what COVID-19 was. Through this study, there was a highlight on the importance of healthy relationships and dynamics within children’s immediate family. Their family played the greatest role in supporting them (the children) as they experienced life and school differently.
Description
Research Report Presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Masters in Social Work by Course Work and Research Report in the field of Social Work to The Department of Social Work, School of Human and Community Development, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. 2023.
Keywords
COVID-19 pandemic, Child, Social work, Mental health, Wellbeing, School social work, UCTD
Citation
Nakaonga, Chitalu Ruth Sokoni. (2023). The experiences of grade 6 children at a mainstream urban primary school in Johannesburg on the effect of COVID-19 on their wellbeing. [Master's dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WIReDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/40077