The Contribution of Group Work in a Changing South Africa

Abstract

As a society undergoing major social change, South Africa presents many challenges to the social work practitioner. Central among these is the search for a relevant social work practice. The group work method with its dual focus on the individual and society is well placed to meet the unique demands and tensions of a South Africa in transition. This article describes an inter-racial women's encounter weekend held in Johannesburg which aimed to effect change at both the individual and societal levels through the purposeful use of the group process. Relevant contextual issues, program content and the'group process are described.

Personal and Interpersonal Effects of a Life Skills Programme on Grade 7 Learners

“…In keeping with this definition, Drower (1993) stresses the need to use groups to address the connection between the individual and the social context. Breton (cited in Drower, 1993) draws attention to the fact that coping and finding fulfilment in a changing world requires an awareness that one's own self-interest is linked to the welfare of the larger ecological system.…”

“…Breton (cited in Drower, 1993) draws attention to the fact that coping and finding fulfilment in a changing world requires an awareness that one's own self-interest is linked to the welfare of the larger ecological system.…”