A qualitative inquiry investigating adolescents' sense of hope within a context of violence in a disadvantaged community in Cape Town

Abstract

Violent crime has proven to have profound negative effects, especially on children and adolescents residing in high violence communities in South Africa. Many studies in the field have identified the need to focus on hope, one of the factors which can protect children and adolescents from the harmful effects of exposure to violence. The aim of the research study is to explore the sense of hope in adolescents, who are living in communities known to have high levels of exposure to violence. Data was collected by means of two focus groups comprising a total of 14 participants. This group of young people demonstrated a future-oriented understanding of hope, as well as illuminating the link between hope and faith.

Keywords:

• hope
• community violence
• children
• young people
• faith

Notes

1. This paper is an adaptation of a research study of the same title, conducted in 2010. For further reading see Isaacs (2010).

2. ‘Sabr’ is the Islamic virtue of patience and endurance.