Chaplaincy as Ministry of Presence: A Case Study for Learners at Ikhwezi Lomso Comprehensive School

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue XII, December 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

 Chaplaincy as Ministry of Presence: A Case Study for Learners at Ikhwezi Lomso Comprehensive School

Bulelani Bomela
Cape Conference of SDA, South Africa

Abstract: Most public schools in South Africa do not have in their organogram, chaplains to serve the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional needs of learners in public schools. Ikhwezi Lomso Comprehensive School is no exception as it falls under government administered (public) schools. Through an interaction with learners, I have discovered that learners at Ikhwezi Lomso Comprehensive School battle with issues which challenge their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional capabilities. As a result of this, incidences, such as sexual activities, bullying, self-esteem issues and misuse of narcotic drugs and alcoholic beverages, which affect and disrupt their learning continue to be witnessed resulting in unwanted pregnancies, abortions, Sexually Transmitted infections, abuse of drugs and drinking, and unacceptable general behaviour due to lack of discipline. The study seeks to introduce a ministry of presence in the form of chaplaincy, which will work hand in hand with educators in dealing with behavioural challenges and thereby benefiting parents whose time is occupied by work and other challenges.
A hybrid approach paradigm is used where a structured questionnaire and interviews, which will be, conducted among the sampled grade 9 class of sixty learners to collect data determining behavioural habits. The hybrid research paradigm used is both quantitative and qualitative.
The study has shown that there is a need for chaplaincy ministry, which seeks to provide a ministry of presence within the school. Chaplaincy deals with day-to-day challenges to learners who are growing in an environment where temptations and youthful challenges are rampant. The intention is to help learners to develop mental, physical, emotional and spiritual abilities. The abilities highlighted will guide the learners’ decision-making patterns on matters of sexuality and behaviour and further help those who have already been victims of the highlighted challenges. This will be achieved by conducting seminars on sexuality related matters, behavioural and moral development programmes, debates among learners on these issues and offer mentoring and counseling to challenged learners

I. INTRODUCTION

The understanding of human behaviour (which is manifested in thoughts and actions) demands actions, which come in a form of a certain ministry and mission to build and develop good thought and actions.

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