Enhancing personal and social development through centre-based sport in the context of rural poverty

Abstract

Despite the growing attention and acknowledgements of the beneficial nature of sport, many South African children still lack access to physical education (PE), physical activity or sport. Many barriers exist that hinder the facilitation of quality PE and sport participation for children in impoverished environments. This research aims to determine the effects of a PE and sport programme offered by local (change) agents at selected schools and a community centre, and to report on a whole-of-school community approach within the context of an impoverished rural community in South Africa. The explorative and descriptive research design of this study utilised qualitative research methods to capture local voices guided by inductive reasoning and rich narrative descriptions. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with two principals from a primary and secondary school, as well as 16 learners (eight per school type), two implementers and two stakeholder representatives. Qualitative data was triangulated with observations and field notes. The main findings report on the various benefits and barriers, whilst contributing to the discourse of school-community integration.