Riglyne vir die implementering van 'n portuurhelpersprogram in universiteitskoshuise

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of what a peer helper programme is and to set guidelines for the design and implementation of a peer helping programme for university residence students. In order to achieve these objectives a literature study was firstly conducted to attain a good understanding of the problems that students of tertiary institutions are currently experiencing. The conclusion was made that students are today faced with a lot of frustrations, problems and challenges resulting in a need for care, support and effective help. Secondly the terms "peer helping", "peer helper" and "peer helper programmes" were defined and peer helping was consequently identified as an effective way of addressing the need for help in the student community. This was followed by a description of guidelines for the design and implementation of a peer helper programme for students in university residences. Plomp's general educational design model was used as a point of reference in the setting of these guidelines. An empirical study was done in the form of a case study as it was exercised only at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University. The aims of the empirical research were to determine firstly if there was a real need for the implementation of a peer helper programme among students in university residences; secondly, to look into and examine the guidelines set for the design and implementation of a peer helpers' programme in university residences, and finally to evaluate the efficacy of the training of peer helpers for university residences. Questionnaires, observations and semi structured interviews were used in the empirical study in order to come to the following general conclusions: Students tend to confide in friends when they experience problems of a more serious nature. In other words they share their problems and concerns with people whom they are in a close relationship with. There is a definite need for a peer helpers' programme in university residence environments. Students are willing to take part and make use of such a programme and students want to take the lead in organising and managing such a programme. In order to design and implement a peer helpers' programme successfully in a university residence, the set guidelines for the effective designing and implementation of such a programme should be followed. Finally it is recommended that a peer helpers' programme should be implemented in every residence or on the campus of every university or tertiary institution in South Africa in order to address the growing need for help among students, effectively. Various recommendations for further research were made.