Children's perspectives on child well-being : a pathway to sustainable futures

Abstract

In 1989, the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child which set out to have children’s voices heard and included in decision-making processes affecting them (United Nations, 1989). The goal of the study was to explore children’s perspectives on their well-being as a pathway to a sustainable future within the South African context. The study adopted the ecosystems theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) as a theoretical framework. The study utilised a qualitative research approach, which had an exploratory and descriptive purpose. The research design was an instrumental case study. The study sample was purposively selected and snowball sampling used to recruit participants who composed of ten children between the ages of 8 and 12 residing in Bronkhorstspruit, Region 7 of the City of Tshwane. Data collection was done through one-on-one semi-structured interviews using an interview schedule and visual communication cards. Data was analysed using Braun and Clark’s (2006) six step thematic data analysis model. Trustworthiness of data was enhanced by applying the criteria of credibility, transferability, dependably and confirmability. The study adhered to ethical considerations and ethically cleared by the University of Pretoria. The findings of the study revealed that participants have a clear understanding of what well-being means to them in relation to their own opinions and experiences. Participants regard positive relationships, access to quality education, adequate housing, access to material resources, income in the household, safe communities, and a clean environment as important contributors to their well-being. However, participants feel that their own perspectives are often overlooked by adults and therefore need their voices to be heard in matters that are important to them. The study concluded that children’s ’s perspectives need to be heard and that they should be allowed to participate in matters affecting them. Furthermore, collaboration between different stakeholders including social workers is essential in enhancing child well-being to contribute to sustainable futures. The study recommends that children’s rights to participate must be protected and promoted across all levels of their development. Additionally, a collaborative, integrative and multidisciplinary approach by professionals should be used in addressing child well-being to promote their sustainable outcomes. By using developmental social work, social workers can plan and implement responsive programmes for children. In conclusion, child well-being measures should include both subjective and objectives measures to gain a holistic account of children’s lives.