Community Cohesion Research Articles

Enhancing emotional resilience and community cohesion in Nigerian primary schools: the role of child-friendly school initiative

The Nigerian educational system faces persistent challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, socio-economic disparities, and cultural barriers, which impede holistic child development. The Child-Friendly School Initiative (CFSI), championed by UNICEF, offers a transformative approach emphasizing inclusivity, safety, health literacy, and participatory governance. This study evaluates the effectiveness of CFSI in Delta State, Nigeria, by comparing CFSI and non-CFSI schools across three dimensions: emotional health, health literacy, and community cohesion. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 1,229 participants, including pupils, teachers, and community leaders. Instruments were adapted from UNICEF’s evaluation framework, achieving reliability scores of 0.77 to 0.87. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square and ANOVA, were conducted at a significance level of 0.05. Results revealed that CFSI schools significantly outperformed non-CFSI schools in promoting emotional resilience (p < 0.01), implementing health education curricula (p < 0.01), and fostering community cohesion (p < 0.01). The findings underscore the critical role of CFSI in addressing health disparities, reducing absenteeism, and enhancing social integration. Barriers such as resource limitations, cultural resistance, and insufficient teacher training were identified as constraints to scaling up CFSI. Recommendations include targeted interventions to expand CFSI across Nigeria, addressing funding gaps, promoting community ownership, and integrating health literacy into educational frameworks. This study contributes to the discourse on sustainable educational reforms, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on quality education, health, and reduced inequalities.

"Am I the only one who will Spread the Virus?": Impact of Public Stigma Towards the East Asian Population Living in Spain Related to COVID-19.

Previous studies have suggested that COVID-19 led to an increase in stigma towards the Asian population with a negative impact on their health. This study aims to explore this phenomenon and its impact on health through the qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with 26 people of Asian origin living in Spain from September 2020 to September 2021. Among the results, it was found that, prior to the pandemic, discrimination was mostly verbal. After the outbreak of the pandemic, some participants, who were blamed and referred to as "COVID", experienced fear and physical aggression. Among the health effects, mental and social disturbances such as feeling like "permanent foreigners", worrying about being stigmatized or fear of interacting with others were prominent. The main protective factor was the support network, including education and community cohesion as main determinants. Future research is needed to analyse the evolution of this stigma after the pandemic and to explore in detail its impact on health.

What Works to Reduce Sex Workers’ Risk of Crime Victimization? A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT Purpose This scoping review investigates crime victimization prevention interventions among sex workers. Materials and methods Using the PRISMA method, we reviewed 11 papers referring to 8 studies that targeted the reduction of sex workers’ victimization. Results Effective strategies identified include community mobilization, peer-led outreach, establishment of safe spaces, legal empowerment, sociocultural activities, financial literacy training, and alcohol harm reduction initiatives. These approaches demonstrated significant reductions in victimization, improvements in community cohesion, and enhanced access to essential resources and support systems, thereby promoting the safety and well-being of sex workers. However, several challenges were also identified, such as high attrition rates, contamination, underreporting due to stigma, and variability in effectiveness across different socio-cultural and geographic contexts. Conclusion Despite the potential of these interventions, further research is needed, particularly from a criminological perspective, to better understand how these strategies can be refined and applied to improve the safety and well-being of sex workers.

The Role of Folklore in Modern Society

Folklore, as an integral component of cultural heritage, continues to influence modern society through its role in preserving traditions, shaping cultural identity, and fostering community cohesion. This paper examines the historical significance of folklore, its methods of transmission and preservation, and its evolving nature in response to societal changes. By examining how folklore adapts to contemporary challenges like globalization and technology, this study highlights its enduring relevance. Folklore not only bridges the past and present but also serves as a tool for regional branding and community building, reinforcing a shared sense of identity. The analysis underscores the value of folklore in addressing modern social concerns and its role as a dynamic force in cultural continuity. Keywords: Folklore, Cultural heritage, Oral traditions, Community identity, Social cohesion, Globalization.

Income Inequality and Community Cohesion: A Comprehensive Analysis of East Africa

This study examines the intricate relationship between income inequality and community cohesion in East Africa, focusing on its effects in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Through a systematic literature review approach, relevant studies from prominent databases were synthesised to reveal how income disparities adversely impact social capital, trust, and community engagement. Findings indicate that income inequality significantly affects access to education, healthcare, social mobility, crime rates, political participation, and ultimately diminishes social cohesion. Disparities in educational and healthcare access perpetuate cycles of poverty and disadvantage, limiting opportunities for upward mobility, particularly for marginalised groups. These inequalities foster feelings of resentment, mistrust, and isolation within communities, obstructing collective action and civic participation. While the study enhances understanding of these dynamics, it is limited by potential publication bias and the exclusion of non-English sources, possibly narrowing the findings' applicability. To address these issues, policymakers must prioritise strategies that improve educational access, expand healthcare coverage, and create economic opportunities for disadvantaged populations. Such interventions could mitigate the detrimental effects of income inequality, fostering greater trust, cooperation, and solidarity among community members. In conclusion, offsetting income inequality is crucial for promoting a more equitable and cohesive society in East Africa, highlighting the need for comprehensive public policies that empower marginalised groups and enhance overall community resilience. Future research should aim to explore the evolving dynamics within this context, considering the intersections of income inequality and social cohesion across diverse settings.

Bridging Gaps in Cultural Identity Graphics for Enhanced Space Perception in Qinzhou City: A Conceptual Framework

ABSTRACT This study employs cultural graphics to close the gaps in cultural and social identity in Qinzhou City, China, to enhance the urban spatial perception. To analyze existing studies and identify unexplored areas, the Critical Literature Review was performed on cultural graphics that fostered emotional and symbolic connections. The study develops 'cultural graphic resonance', a concept based on the Semiotic, Social Identity, and Cultural Identity theories of the emotional and symbolic effects of cultural symbols on urban identity and cohesion. The findings advance a mix of traditional elements, such as Nixing pottery and Lingnan motifs, with modern images to create a unified urban identity. It offers actionable strategies to bridge cultural identity divides and to improve the urban spatial perception. Finally, policy and design recommendations for culturally diverse cities like Qinzhou are given as a basis for future empirical research on the role of cultural graphics in urban planning and community cohesion.

Eating "rubbish"? Exploring the herbal secrets of "Laji-He," a traditional herbal rice snack from southern China

BackgroundLaji-He is a traditional rice-based snack from the Beibu Gulf region in southern China. In the Beibu Gulf region, "Laji-He" (literally "garbage He") signifies the removal of toxins from the body, making it a truly "green" food. Laji-He holds essential cultural and medicinal value, incorporating various medicinal plants into its preparation. Despite its local importance, there is limited scientific documentation on the ethnobotanical properties and cultural relevance of the plants used. This study aims to analyze the medicinal plant used in Laji-He and its implication in human medicine.MethodsEthnobotanical surveys and interviews were conducted in the Beibu Gulf region, covering local markets and communities. Voucher specimens were collected and identified for each plant collected, using botanical references, while the relative frequency of citation index was used to assess the cultural importance of each plant. Additionally, the medicinal properties of these plants were categorized based on traditional Chinese medicinal theory and modern pharmacological literature. A detailed review of historical texts and local chronicles was also performed to trace the historical development and cultural changes of Laji-He.ResultsA total of 63 medicinal plants from 36 families and 53 genera were documented, with Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae being the most frequently represented families. The most commonly used plants, such as Paederia foetida, Piper sarmentosum, Houttuynia cordata, Centella asiatica, and Morus alba, were primarily utilized for their heat-clearing, detoxifying, and wind-dampness expelling properties. Laji-He serves as a symbol of cultural identity and community cohesion, particularly during traditional festivals and family gatherings, reinforcing collective memory and local heritage.ConclusionsLaji-He is a traditional functional snack, with the plants used in its preparation serving as both food and medicine. Preserving and promoting the culture of Laji-He can contribute to enhancing food security and sovereignty at both the local and national levels.

Stress and Traditional Support: The Role of Orphans' and Vulnerable Children's Primary Caregivers in Rural Ethiopia.

Orphans' and Vulnerable Children's (OVC) primary caregivers (PCGs) in Ethiopia live with multiple social and emotional problems stemming from extreme poverty, war, environmental disasters, and the HIV pandemic. Family and community supports are strained, leaving OVC's PCGs dependent on inconsistent humanitarian aid. This aid is typically focused on OVCs and does not address PCG well-being. This study aimed to assess PCG well-being and explore their perceived stress and the traditional family and community coping mechanisms. Participants from the Oromia region of Ethiopia were recruited, and a mixed-methods design was employed. Six cases were included using a criterion sampling technique. An explanatory data analysis technique was used, and data were triangulated from interviews, focus group discussions, archival information, and surveys. A 36-item Well-being Measuring Tool (WMT) Likert scale was employed to measure well-being domains. The results indicated that none of the PCGs reported the desirable and average summative well-being domain mean scores [25 and 23]. Among the ten well-being domains, only "spirituality" and "community cohesion" were above the average score [2.3]. The "economy" domain had the lowest score, indicating a critical deficiency [1.3]. A lack of community support could exasperate perceived stress, and well-being deficiencies were linked. Lack of family and community support could exacerbate feeling overlooked, unwelcome, and lonely. A policy that promotes a supportive community environment and safeguards the most vulnerable OVCs and their PCGs should be in place. This study recommends further rigorous research examining the well-being determinants of OVCs' PCGs in Ethiopia and the role of traditional support systems in rural settings.

Scientific Tourism Leveraging Resilience: An Initiative on Providence and Ketlina Islands, Colombia

Summary This case study is a report which sums up a recent initiative on nature conservation and tourism. It discusses a low degree of resilience observed on Providence and Ketlina Islands (Colombian Caribbean) in the aftermath of COVID-19 and the devastating hurricanes which have hit them in past years. The impact of COVID-19 and recent meteorological events have revealed a low degree of community resilience because of a lack of solid infrastructures and low community cohesion. Consequently, proposals have emerged for community-led tourism, including a bottom-up initiative for scientific tourism which is outlined in this case study. The project will train and empower the community, who ultimately are the guardians of the destination. In this context, the project revolves around reinforcing the conservation of endangered species such as local sea turtles. More visitor involvement is also proposed, as tourists are encouraged to become guardians of the destination and its natural environment. With a more focused strategy on tourism fostering social cohesion and generating higher revenue, the islands’ resilience is expected to improve in the future. Information © The Authors 2025

Arnis in Physical Activities Towards Health and Fitness (Pathfit) 3 and 4 Courses: A Deep Dive into Faculty Experiences in Teaching Arnis

Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), or Arnis, embodies the rich martial arts heritage of the Philippines, utilizing various weapons for combat and self-defense (Martin et al., 2018). Recognized as the national martial art and sport through Republic Act 9850 in 2009, Arnis has since gained a formal place in education. This study explores faculty experiences teaching Arnis in Physical Activities Towards Health and Fitness (PATHFit) 3 and 4 courses across colleges and universities in Central Luzon (Region III). Employing Colaizzi's 7-step phenomenological technique, with data gathered through interviews and audio-visual recordings, the study uncovers five key themes: (1) The Pedagogical and Cultural Significance of Including Arnis in the Curriculum (2) Enhancing Student Safety and Holistic Development through Arnis (3) Fostering Social Connections, Personal Growth, and Cultural Integration through Arnis (4) Addressing Challenges and Promoting Engagement in Arnis Education and, (5) Enhancing the Teaching and Promotion. Findings revealed that Arnis education transcends physical instruction, fostering cultural pride, resilience, and personal growth among educators and students. Faculty members experienced professional transformation, adopting innovative teaching methods to sustain cultural heritage while addressing modern educational demands. For students, integrating Arnis into PATHFit courses boosted confidence, discipline, and community involvement, strengthening their cultural identity. This study underscores the significance of Arnis as a culturally relevant educational tool that bridges traditional practices with contemporary fitness education. The findings advocate for the development of dynamic, culturally inclusive curricula and faculty training programs, ensuring the sustained relevance of Arnis in academic and societal contexts. By preserving this martial art, educators can inspire both personal development and community cohesion, reinforcing Arnis as a symbol of Filipino identity.

Cultural Memory and Identity in Motion: Analyzing the Performance Characteristics of Yellow Mud Drum Dance

The Yellow Mud Drum Dance is deeply rooted in the ritual customs of the Yao people, functioning both as a repository of cultural memory and a dynamic expression of collective identity. This study explores the performance characteristics of the Yellow Mud Drum Dance, a traditional Yao ritual, within the broader context of cultural preservation and adaptation. Based on fieldwork conducted in Jinxiu, Guangxi, China, this study employed qualitative research methods, including participant observation, interviews with local practitioners, and performance analysis, to examine the choreography, music, and spatial arrangements of the dance. The results indicate that these elements play a critical role in enhancing community cohesion and fostering emotional resonance among participants. As the Yellow Mud Drum Dance transitions from ritual spaces to modern performance venues, its evolution preserves core symbolic elements while demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of traditional cultural expression in the face of modernization and globalization. This study underscores the importance of preserving such performative cultures, while also allowing room for innovation to ensure they continue to play a meaningful role in contemporary society.

Analysing the Resilience of Fortified Settlements from the Perspective of Community Capital: The Case of Pujing Community in the Ancient Acropolis, Yongning, Quanzhou

In recent years, religious activities have been employed to promote community industrial transformation and territorial revitalisation in fortified settlements along the southeast coast of China. This paper adopted a qualitative approach to study the community of Pujing, an ancient acropolis in Quanzhou, with the aim of analysing how community capital constructed through faith promotes community resilience. The findings of the study are as follows: (1) Pujing is a community system and organisation built upon religious beliefs; (2) the community utilises religious beliefs to construct a community network platform to promote community capital building and industrial transformation; and (3) religious activities are an integral part of daily life in the community, serving as a form of community capital. This paper argues that the Pujing community promotes community capital building by enhancing community cohesion and participation through religious activities. Ultimately, this fosters the ‘spiralling-up’ of community resilience.

DSF-GAM: a location inference model in social network Twitter

Analyzing the social interactions and texts on Twitter can provide valuable insights into users' behavior, opinions, and even their geographical locations. Location inference of users within a social network finds applications in various domains, such as targeted advertising and public health monitoring. Inference techniques through social interactions, such as co-mentions, remain a favored method for constructing user social networks. Co-mentions, however, introduce a substantial number of noisy relationships that impact the overall network structure and prediction of the location of a user. Furthermore, previous approaches have overlooked the examination of cohesive groups or community structures within an individual's ego network for location prediction. This paper introduces a predictive model called DSF-GAM (DS stand for document similarity, F stands for frequencies and GAM stands for Generalized Additive Model). which redesigns social interactions based on mentions to infer user location on Twitter. DSF-GAM introduces a novel and innovative social graph, termed a user relation graph. DSF-GAM employs a generalized additive model (GAM) for location inference. The fundamental contribution of DSF-GAM lies in the representation of data using a new graph structure with enriched community features and edges. The experimental results on well-known datasets demonstrate that DSF-GAM outperforms other state-of-the-art methods based on both content and network approaches and mixed results in hybrid approaches.

The Values of Islamic Education for Building Tolerance in the Jombang Community: A Qualitative Study of the Role of Religious Harmony Forum

The people of Jombang have proven their ability to coexist peacefully despite significant differences. However, with the emergence of increasing global challenges such as radicalism and intolerance, it is important to strengthen the foundations of tolerance through education. The integration of Islamic educational values has the potential to be an effective solution to face this challenge. This research aims to explore how the values of Islamic education can be integrated into the life of the people of Jombang and how it can strengthen tolerant behavior. This research was conducted in Jombang Regency, East Java Province, with the research subject of the Jombang Regency Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) consisting of 17 interfaith and group figures. The research method used is qualitative research with an ethnographic approach. The integration of Islamic educational values in the life of the people of Jombang goes through four stages of process, namely, ta'aruf (knowing each other), tafahum (understanding each other), ta'awun (helping each other), and takafful (mutual guarantee), which is hierarchical. In addition, one important process covers the four stages, namely the ta'alum (mutual learning) process, which is carried out simultaneously with the four stages. From this study, it can be proven that the integration of Islamic educational values carried out by FKUB Jombang Regency has strengthened tolerant behavior, strengthened social bonds, and encouraged better community cohesion in the Jombang community.

Diversity and Functional Insights into Endophytic Fungi in Halophytes from West Ordos Desert Ecosystems.

Arid desert regions are among the harshest ecological environments on Earth. Halophytes, with their unique physiological characteristics and adaptability, have become the dominant vegetation in these areas. Currently, research on halophytes in this region is relatively limited, particularly concerning studies related to their root endophytic fungi, which have been rarely reported on. Therefore, investigating the diversity and composition of endophytic fungi in halophytes is crucial for maintaining ecological balance in such an arid environment. This study focuses on eight representative angiosperm halophytes from the West Ordos Desert in China (including Nitraria tangutorum, Salsola passerina, Suaeda glauca, Reaumuria trigyna, Reaumuria kaschgarica, Limonium aureum, Apocynum venetum, and Tripolium vulgare), utilizing Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology combined with soil physicochemical factor data to analyze the diversity, composition, and ecological functions of their root-associated fungal communities. Ascomycota dominated the fungal composition in most halophytes, particularly among the recretohalophytes, where it accounted for an average of 88.45%, while Basidiomycota was predominant in Suaeda glauca. A Circos analysis of the top 10 most abundant genera revealed Fusarium, Dipodascus, Curvularia, Penicillium, and other dominant genera. Co-occurrence network analysis showed significant differences in fungal networks across halophyte types, with the most complex network observed in excreting halophytes, characterized by the highest number of nodes and connections, indicating tighter fungal symbiotic relationships. In contrast, fungal networks in pseudohalophytes were relatively simple, reflecting lower community cohesiveness. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and Mantel tests demonstrated that soil factors such as organic matter, available sulfur, and urease significantly influenced fungal diversity, richness, and evenness, suggesting that soil physicochemical properties play a critical role in regulating fungal-plant symbiosis. Functional predictions indicated that endophytic fungi play important roles in metabolic pathways such as nucleotide biosynthesis, carbohydrate degradation, and lipid metabolism, which may enhance plant survival in saline-alkaline and arid environments. Furthermore, the high abundance of plant pathogens and saprotrophs in some fungal communities suggests their potential roles in plant defense and organic matter decomposition. The results of this study provide a reference for advancing the development and utilization of halophyte endophytic fungal resources, with applications in desert ecosystem restoration and halophyte cultivation.

Civil society and societal security

Over time civil society has played an important role in holding the governments accountable for their action and informing the public. Moreover, it has been a critical contributor to preserving democratic developments and to promoting the rule of law. On the other hand, societal security is a core component of healthy societies and it cannot be achieved without strong civic support. The existing literature extensively covers both topics (civil society & societal security), but the nexus between them has not been thoroughly examined. This research delves into the intricate relationship between civil society and societal security, examining the dynamics within the Republic of Moldova and Romania against the backdrop of the contemporary geopolitical landscape. The study is driven by the need to understand how civil society functions as a critical factor in shaping and safeguarding societal security, particularly in countries exposed to unconventional threats. The qualitative analysis is based on publicly available data sets (focusing on democracy, civil society, identity and security), and the main analysis method is process tracing. The hypotheses are formulated based on the following indicators: identity resilience, societal resilience, community cohesion, addressing threats and public engagement. Therefore, the focus of this research is on observing the influence of the civil society on societal security in the Republic of Moldova and Romania based on a comparative assessment of these two states.

Sacred song, spirituality and social justice

This article explores the relationship between music, particularly sacred singing, spirituality and social justice, by means of investigating, through a combination of scholarship, case studies and first-hand experience, how music and singing are able to encourage community cohesion, promote human dignity, and be an embodied form of spirituality; how music and song can challenge societal assumptions and norms, as well as confront injustice and inhumanity; and also how music and song can express the pain of human suffering and political oppression and challenge them, focusing on the particular example of the singing revolution in the Baltic states and the work of Arvo Pärt.

The Good, The Bad and The Legacy of Kwaito

This article investigates kwaito music’s role in revitalising South African youth. Kwaito is more than a music genre; it is a cultural movement reflecting the experiences, aspirations, and challenges of youth in ekasi (South African townships). With the genre’s decline in popularity after 30 years of prosperity, it is crucial to explore, analyse, and document its positive and negative histories, particularly its legacy. The enlisted exploratory methodology involved content analysis of scholarly articles, books, and online data, including YouTube interviews and documentaries about kwaito. Data collection also included interviews with key South African music industry figures such as former record executives and musicians. While scholars examine kwaito from various disciplinary perspectives, key figures in the kwaito community feel their contributions are still under-represented. This highlights a gap between academic and journalistic accounts and the personal experiences of those deeply involved in the kwaito culture. This article concludes that kwaito significantly influences black youth by promoting self-expression, community cohesion, entrepreneurial enterprise, and introducing new role models. It emphasises kwaito‘s impact on South African culture and music, contributing substantially to the discourse of African musicology. Keywords: Kwaito, Kasi, South Africa, Cultural Phenomenon, Methodology, Music Scholarship, Socio-Political Context.

Intertwining Community-Driven and Student-Built Approaches to Activate Suburban Streets

Suburban streets often lack vitality and fail to foster social interaction and community cohesion. Traditional approaches to retrofitting tend to focus on static spatial interventions, proving costly and inadequate for addressing dynamic community needs. This paper explores flexible, cost-effective solutions that can activate suburban streets and enhance cultural cohesion. Through a brief review of street retrofitting concepts and practices, the authors investigate ways in which an inclusive approach can promote community engagement and transform streets into dynamic social spaces. This approach consists of a community-driven and student-built collaborative design, prefabrication and installation, and adaptive use by the community. Examining Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland in Aotearoa New Zealand as a context rich in cultural diversity and with a demand for vibrant public spaces, the authors tested this new approach through design interventions by Unitec architecture students in Open Streets events in Avondale, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. The authors then tested this approach with two projects: Toutai-'a Maui: Maui’s Catch at the Whau Arts Festival, and the Woven Gateway at the We Are Woven Festival. The positive outcomes of these two projects demonstrate the potential of temporary architectural interventions in activating streets and fostering conversation about the streets of Avondale.

Cultivating Well-being, Community Cohesion, and Sense of Purpose through African Contemplative Practices

Exploring Southern African contemplative traditions addresses an important gap in the fields of contemplative science and healing modalities. In contrast to meditation practices drawn from Eastern wisdom traditions, practices embedded in African spirituality are sound- and movement-based and conducted in community settings. During a research retreat in South Africa, attended by traditional healers, creative arts therapists and performers, mindfulness and neuroscience researchers, and a Buddhist monk, indigenous rituals were performed by experienced facilitators and analyzed through group reflection sessions. Phenomenological data were recorded and coded. Participants identified how the synchronized movements, vocalization, and multisensory listening enabled experiences of self-transcendence, connection, and social cohesion, eliciting emotions of peacefulness, harmony, and joy. Using thematic analysis, four recurring threads emerged: sacred sense of purpose, nervous system self-regulation and co-regulation, enhancement of pro-social qualities, and community cohesion. These findings are presented to support international dialog and illuminate relationships among Eastern, Western, and African wisdom traditions. The global decline in mental health provides increased relevance, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of perpetuated historical injustices that have rendered individuals and communities isolated and disconnected. This article proposes that embodied rituals and arts-based therapies, alongside mindfulness practices, could provide effective ways to enhance personal well-being and build community cohesion.