Original Research

Leisure education to leadership: Youth with physical disabilities’ experiences in South Africa

Makhaya J. Malema, Marie E.M. Young, Lisa Wegner
African Journal of Disability | Vol 12 | a1234 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v12i0.1234 | © 2023 Makhaya J. Malema, Marie E.M Young, Lisa Wegner | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 14 April 2023 | Published: 30 November 2023

About the author(s)

Makhaya J. Malema, Department of Sports, Recreation and Exercise Science, Faculty of Community Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
Marie E.M. Young, Department of Sports, Recreation and Exercise Science, Faculty of Community Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
Lisa Wegner, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction: Young people with physical disabilities frequently lack opportunities to develop their leadership potential. These include their ability to make decisions and be able to take charge of their leisure programmes. An argument is made that developing leadership skills for youth with physical disabilities can be facilitated by participating in leisure education programmes.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore youth with physical disabilities’ perceptions of how leisure education can be used as a tool to develop their leadership.

Method: This study used a descriptive qualitative research design to collect data using the purposive sampling method from 10 youths with physical disabilities aged 18 to 34 years in the Western Cape, South Africa. One-on-one interviews with semi-structured and open-ended questions were used to collect data for this study.

Results: The findings of this study include 4 main themes and 11 sub-themes. This study’s findings showed that participants’ perceptions and experiences were evidence of leisure education being used to build their capacity as leaders within their society. Furthermore, their understanding of how they apply leadership opportunities is an encouraging moment for their development.

Conclusion: Leisure education should be considered as a means to promote leadership in youth with physical disabilities in South Africa.

Contribution: Knowledge and experience about youth with physical disabilities, their leisure education experiences and skills development during activities.


 


Keywords

leadership development; leadership skills; leisure; leisure education; youth with physical disabilities

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 10: Reduced inequalities

Metrics

Total abstract views: 1046
Total article views: 1475


Crossref Citations

No related citations found.