Original Articles

Ukuphepha: A Multi-level Community Engagement Model for the Promotion of Safety, Peace and Health

Published in: Journal of Psychology in Africa
Volume 22 , issue 4 , 2012 , pages: 499–508

DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2012.10820561

Author(s): Rodney Eksteen University of South Africa, South Africa , Abdulsamed Bulbulia University of South Africa, South Africa , Ashley van Niekerk Medical Research Council, South Africa , Ghouwa Ismail University of South Africa, South Africa , Royal Lekoba University of South Africa, South Africa

Keywords: community engagement , safety , peace , health

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Abstract

This article aims to describe a theoretically-informed community engagement model which delivers a suite of child safety, peace and health interventions.We provide an overview of critical concepts that inform the community engagement approach that underpins the implementation of the Ukuphepha Child Safety, Peace and Health Programme (UCSPHP), in low-income neighbourhoods just outside Johannesburg, and on the periphery of Cape Town, South Africa. Our analysis is framed within a participatory approach and suggests the importance of six interconnected community engagement pathways: relationship-building; community-centred learning; social justice and contextual congruence; the facilitation of democratic traditions; strengthening the case for community services; and the affirmation of local social economies.

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