Kongressprogramm Programmfaltplan (.pdf, 2.1 MB)
Absent-Fathers – At Risk Youth
University of the Western Cape
Moderation: Dr. Tina Silbernagl
Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit - GIZ
Abstract:
The participants comprised ten adolescent boys from a selected school in the area. The boys were selected from grades 8,9 and 10. The participants were selected purposively although participation in the study was voluntary and parental consent was required. A qualitative methodology was used and data were collected by means of structured interviews a focus group discussion and construction of a collage.
The findings showed a correlation between at–risk youth behaviour and a number of identifiable factors, including low self-esteem, gang membership, violence, crime and academic underachievement. This could be a direct result of growing up without a father figure or positive male role model.
Frederick (Toni) Sylvester, PhD is a lecturer in the Faculty of Education in the department of Educational Psychology at the University of the Western Cape. He is also a Registered Educational Psychologist with the HPCSA. Beginning his career as a teacher (Special needs), Mr Sylvester’s portfolio includes Educational Psychologist at the Centre for Student Counselling University of Stellenbosch, Lecturer faculty of Education UCT, Faculty leader Centre for International Educational Exchange, (Awarded faculty leader award best out of 20 countries), Researcher, Juvenile Justice, Institute of Criminology UCT, Career Guidance Counsellor (Progress College). He has published in areas of Boys growing up with absent fathers, School Support, Gender identity and Life skills. His latest contribution was a book chapter on Barriers to learning. Also recently two books, “Claiming our Spaces…. Changing the world” compiled by grade 10 learners from the Cross Roads community and a collaborative project with Gender DynamiX, “Gender Identity and Gender Expression” in South African Schools. His latest publication, 2021. Alignment of school discipline with positive behavioural interventions and support: The case of one disadvantaged urban South African Primary School. He has also presented papers at National and International conferences and in January 2019 and January 2023 was Key note speaker at the Diversity conference in Bangalore, India. He is passionate and a campaigner for children’s rights and inclusion.
