A Hidden History of Youth Development in South Africa: Learning in Transition

This book provides a unique and multi-faceted history of youth development in South Africa through the lens of a South African non-governmental organization (NGO) prominent in youth development from the mid-1980s until 2008. It examines JEPs role leading up to and during South Africas transition to democracy, its work and influence in post-apartheid South Africa, and the continued relevance of its legacy to contemporary initiatives seeking to address youth development and social justice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Drawing on two decades of in-depth interviews and ethnographic fieldwork conducted between 1998 and 2018, this comprehensive and multifaceted history of youth development in South Africa is presented through the lens of a prominent South African non-governmental organization (NGO) active in youth development from the mid-1980s to 2008. The book skillfully weaves together history, ethnography, and discourse analysis to contextualize the Joint Enrichment Project (JEP) within the politics and history of South African education. It delves into the critical role of JEP during South Africa's transition to democracy, its impact on post-apartheid South Africa, and the enduring relevance of its legacy to contemporary initiatives aimed at addressing youth development and social justice.

While JEP consistently repositioned itself as an organization, evolving from combating the adverse effects of apartheid on young people to potentially partnering with the new African National Congress (ANC)-led government, its most significant impact may have been on the individuals it engaged. After tracing the twenty-year journey of JEP, the book focuses on the experiences of participants in a 1998 Youth Work Scheme, exploring their learning outcomes and the immediate impact of the program on their lives. It then revisits these participants twenty years later in 2018, analyzing their life trajectories after JEP and comparing them with the life trajectories of former JEP staff over the same period. This comparative analysis sheds light on broader patterns of socio-economic reproduction and change in the country.

In conclusion, this book offers a rich and insightful exploration of youth development in South Africa, providing valuable insights for academics, researchers, and post-graduate students in the fields of education, international development, anthropology, and African studies. Its comprehensive approach and multidisciplinary perspective make it a valuable resource for scholars seeking to understand the complex dynamics of youth development and social change in South Africa.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367740221