Journal Website Research Articles

INVESTIGATION OF RELIGIOUS VALUES IN BUILDING DIVERSITY ATTITUDE OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE MODERN ERA

The aim of this research is to analyze and examine in depth how the instillation of religious values contributes to developing the religious attitudes of high school students and the challenges faced in forming the religious attitudes of high school students in the modern era. Meanwhile, the approach taken in this research uses a qualitative approach with the library research method. The data source for this research combines two primary and secondary sources. Primary media include journal articles, e-books, websites, and other internet media. Meanwhile, secondary sources include online proceedings, magazines, newspapers, and other sources related to the discussion theme. The data collection techniques collect the sources that have been mentioned, classify them, and then draw conclusions. Meanwhile, what is used in this research is a descriptive analysis technique, namely by integrating general knowledge, then drawing specifically (inductively) based on the results of literature findings, which have been carried out with the stages of collecting secondary and primary data, then classifying the data, displaying the data, and then interpreting it to produce knowledge for drawing. conclusion. The results of the research found that instilling religious values in developing students' religious attitudes includes: (1) the role of educators in instilling religious values; (2) the challenges of religious attitudes in the modern era; (3) the implementation of a religious values instillation program; (4) the relationship between religious attitudes and technological developments; and (5) the influence of the school environment in forming religious attitudes. So it can be concluded that the value of worship, the value of the spirit of jihad, the value of morals, the value of example, and the value of trust and sincerity of these five are the core values of the religious values as the basis.

BrJAC 2023 – Growing and Building Bridges

BrJAC 2023 – Growing and Building Bridges

Does water accounting support sustainable water and business risks of clean water management?

Business risks associated with clean water companies include losses and downsizing loyalty of water users. This risk comes from responsibility, reliability and transparency of clean water sustainable management. This can be solved with water accounting. The explanatory overview explains the water management model using sustainable water accounting approach. The narrative review method consists of a compilation, tables, comparison and summary of research results. The articles are collected in a literature review study from accredited journal websites (Sinta, Emerald, Science Direct). After searching for a research paper keyword criteria the results show that water accounting, in addition to reducing the business risk of clean water service providers, it also supports sustainable water supply. Water calculation components such as gross income, net flow are available water, water emissions and emissions provide transparent and accountable information. The water accounting components can analyze water use, scarcity and productivity to make predictions the need for clean water, because the amount of water produced and used per day can be known for sure. Implementation requires leadership and community engagement sustainable protection of groundwater that the community can enjoy in the longterm supply of clean water.

Editorial

CHIEF EDITOR Ahmad Faris Ismail, IIUM, Malaysia TECHNICAL EDITOR Sany Izan Ihsan, IIUM, Malaysia EXECUTIVE EDITOR AHM Zahirul Alam, IIUM, Malaysia ASSOCIATE EDITOR Nor Farahidah Za’bah, IIUM, Malaysia LANGUAGE EDITOR Lynn Mason, Malaysia COPY EDITOR Hamzah Mohd. Salleh, UNISSA, Brunei Darussalam MALAY TRANSLATOR Nurul Arfah Che Mustapha, IIUM, Malaysia EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Abdullah Al-Mamun, IIUM, Malaysia Abdumalik Rakhimov, IIUM, Malaysia Aishah Najiah Bt. Dahnel, IIUM, Malaysia Alya Naili Binti Rozhan, IIUM, Malaysia Norsinnira Bt. Zainul Azlan, IIUM, Malaysia Hanafy Omar, Saudi Arabia Hazleen Anuar, IIUM, Malaysia Konstantin Khanin, University of Toronto, Canada Ma'an Al-Khatib, IIUM, Malaysia Meftah Hrairi, IIUM, Malaysia Mohamed B. Trabia, United States Mohammad S. Alam, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, United States Mustafizur Rahman, National University Singapore, Singapore Ossama Abdulkhalik, Michigan Technological University, United States Mohamed Hadi Habaebi, IIUM, Malaysia Mohd. Sultan Ibrahim Bin Shaik Dawood, IIUM, Malaysia Muhammad Ibn Ibrahimy, IIUM, Malaysia Nor Fadhillah Mohamed Azmin, IIUM, Malaysia Waqar Asrar, IIUM, Malaysia INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE A. Anwar, United States Abdul Latif Bin Ahmad, Malaysia Farzad Ismail, USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Hanafy Omar, Saudi Arabia Hany Ammar, United States Idris Mohammed Bugaje, Nigeria K.B. Ramachandran, India Kunzu Abdella, Canada Luis Le Moyne, ISAT, University of Burgundy, France M Mujtaba, United Kingdom Mohamed AI-Rubei, Ireland Mohamed B Trabia, United States Syed Kamrul Islam, United States Tibor Czigany, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary Yiu-Wing Mai, The University of Sydney, Australia. AIMS & SCOPE OF IIUM ENGINEERING JOURNAL The IIUM Engineering Journal, published biannually (January and July), is a carefully refereed international publication of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Contributions of high technical merit within the span of engineering disciplines; covering the main areas of engineering: Electrical and Computer Engineering; Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; Automation and Mechatronics Engineering; Material and Chemical Engineering; Environmental and Civil Engineering; Biotechnology and Bioengineering; Engineering Mathematics and Physics; and Computer Science and Information Technology are considered for publication in this journal. Contributions from other areas of Engineering and Applied Science are also welcomed. The IIUM Engineering Journal publishes contributions under Regular papers and Invited review papers. It also welcomes contributions that address solutions to the specific challenges of the developing world and address science and technology issues from an Islamic and multidisciplinary perspective. REFEREES’ NETWORK All papers submitted to IIUM Engineering Journal will be subjected to a rigorous reviewing process through a worldwide network of specialized and competent referees. Each accepted paper should have at least two positive referees’ assessments. SUBMISSION OF A MANUSCRIPT A manuscript should be submitted online to the IIUM Engineering Journal website at http://journals.iium.edu.my/ejournal. The journal website could conduct further correspondence on the paper's status. Whilst the publisher and editorial board make every effort to see that no inaccurate or misleading data, opinion, or statement appears in this Journal, they wish to make it clear that the data and opinions appearing in the articles and advertisements herein are the responsibility of the contributor or advertiser concerned. Accordingly, the publisher and the editorial committee accept no liability whatsoever for the consequence of any such inaccurate or misleading data, opinion, or statement. IIUM Engineering Journal ISSN: 1511-788X E-ISSN: 2289-7860 Published by: IIUM Press, International Islamic University Malaysia Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Phone (+603) 6421-5014, Fax: (+603) 6421-6298

Issue-Based Politics in Kenya: Assessing the Underlying Factors, Progress Made, and Barriers

Over the last three decades, Kenya’s democratization journey has been marked by significant progress evidenced by the adoption of multiparty politics, new constitution promulgation in 2010, and institutionalization of key reforms in government and civil space. This formed a strong foundation for the entrenchment of issue-based politics as envisioned in Kenya Vision 2030’s Political Pillar that advocates for “a democratic political system that is issue-based, people-centered, result oriented and accountable to the public and viable political party systems guided by policy and ideological differences rather than region or ethnicity.” However, a litany of underlying issues and factors –have to a greater extent –been the cause of political violence majorly ethnic driven and thus dimming the prospects of transition of the country to issue-based politics away from ethnic-centered politics. This paper aims to discuss the underlying issues and triggers of political violence in Kenya, take stoke of progress made, and barriers in the advancement of issue-based politics. This study is premised on secondary data in form of journal articles, newspapers, occasional papers, online websites, and policy documents. Findings reveal that 1) Underlying issues and triggers of political violence include and are not limited to the multi-ethnic nature of Kenyan society, historical land injustices, political and socio-economic inequalities, politics of betrayal, revenge and hate speech 2) Kenya has made strides in actualizing issued based democracy through promotion of national parties anchored on ideologies, development of manifestos by various political parties, presidential debates by prospective candidates, undertaking civic voter education, conducting issue-based campaigns. 3) However, prevalence of misinformation, disinformation and propaganda, bribes, populism, poor governance and corruption, lack of political goodwill, seems to erode gains made in advancing issue-based politics. If Kenya promotes and natures a culture of issue-based politics then it will strengthen its democratic credentials.

Unmasking deceptive journals in education sciences: a study on prevalence, characteristics and visibility

This study explores the landscape of predatory journals in education sciences by examining their prevalence, publishers, countries of origin, launch years, malpractices, and internet search metrics, focusing on journals indexed in Cabell's Predatory Reports (n=443). Education science journals make up 2.75% of the total predatory journals listed in the database, primarily scattered across small-scale publishers. The USA, Nigeria, and India emerge as major hubs and results reveal a rapid growth in predatory journals between 2011-2015, followed by slower proliferation. Publication and peer review process violations are the most common malpractices. Internet search metrics indicate increased organic traffic to predatory journal websites from 2017 to 2021 raising concerns about their potential impact on the academic publishing panorama. The findings underscore the need for continued efforts to raise awareness, promote ethical publishing practices, and protect academic integrity in education sciences publications.

Access to evidence-based care: a systematic review of trauma and surgical literature costs across resource settings

BackgroundEvidence-based medicine has become the foundation for surgeons around the world to provide the most effective surgical care. However, the article processing charges (APCs) and subscription fees for surgical journals...

Social work perspective of the achievements of the Fit Person (s) Program in Temeke, Dar es Salaam – Tanzania

Like other countries in the developing world, Tanzania has faced more children needing protection and care. However, the available old and traditional alternative care systems have inadequately reduced the demand for protection and care for needy children. This study was undertaken to assess the achievements of the fit person program. Twenty (20) social workers employed at Temeke District Council were selected to participate and inform the study. Four focus group discussions of five members each and five key informants' interviews were used to generate information while observing the African-centred approach. This study was guided by Ubuntu theory, as it considers Africans' values, aspirations, beliefs and experiences in the efforts to protect and care for the children. The findings revealed that the Fit Person Program has achieved its obligations to protect and care for children to a large extent; as a result, it was scaled up to all Dar es Salaam region districts. The study recommends comprehensive research to explore the challenges faced by fit persons, social workers and children under the fit person's program.ent factors affecting access to Pre-Trial Diversion services by juvenile offenders from high density suburbs in Zimbabwe. How to cite this article using ASWNet style Buhori, J, A. (2023). Social work perspective of the achievements of the Fit Person (s) Program in Temeke, Dar es Salaam – Tanzania. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(4), 94-102. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i4.1 Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net

Personal experiences of a fourth-year social work student: insights into South Africa social work education and professional development

This presentation offers insights into the personal experiences of a fourth-year social work student at the University of the Free State (UFS), Bloemfontein, South Africa. The student reflects on how the Bachelor of Social Work Curriculum at the UFS prepared him for practice, drawing upon the three primary methods of social work - casework, group work, and community work. Furthermore, the presenter discusses core social work skills and competencies required to render services to diverse clients within the South African context. Finally, this presentation highlights the student's personal and professional development throughout his studies and how he integrates social work ethics in practice to be a champion for social justice. How to cite using ASWNet style Rademan, D. (2023). Personal experiences of a fourth-year social work student: insights into South Africa social work education andprofessional development. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(4), 00. Social Work andDevelopment Student Conference (SWDSC), 16 June 2023. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i4.8 Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net

Does the Community-Driven Development Approach Enhance Livelihoods? Evidence from Tanzania

This article determines the impact of the community-driven development (CDD) approach of the second phase of the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project (LVEMP II) on livelihood enhancement in Kwimba District, Tanzania. The paper specifically examines determinants and levels of participation; and the impact of participation in the CDD subprojects on income and asset accumulation, using a sample of 210 households. Data analysis employed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression and thematic content analysis for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Findings indicate that education level, matching grants, and membership in community groups determine participation in the CDD subprojects. There is a moderate level of participation in the CDD subprojects stages. Findings further show that households participating in the CDD subprojects were found to earn 6% more income and own 10% more assets than their non-participating counterparts. It is recommended that policymakers design and implement context focused CDD subprojects for them to have impact. How to cite this article using ASWNet style Kisusi, F. L. & Ndesanjo, R. B. (2023). Does the Community-Driven Development Approach Enhance Livelihoods? Evidence from Tanzania. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(4), 103-112. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i4.2 Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net

The role played by taboos in exposing women to maternal mortality in Binga, Zimbabwe

Taboos are prohibited behaviours that have supernatural explanations, they affect women during pregnancy, childbirth and during the lactation period, resulting in high maternal mortality rates. The objectives of this study were to explore cultural taboos that expose women to maternal mortality and to examine the role of taboos in maternal health care. The study employed a qualitative research approach, making use of focus group discussions, and key informant interviews as data collection methods. Twelve (12) focus group discussions consisting of 6-12 people were conveniently sampled from villages in ward 1 Binga. The study found out that food taboos like prohibited starchy foods, protein meats exposed pregnant women to malnutrition and health complications. Cultural taboos delayed pregnant women from accessing maternal health care. Cultural taboos like bidding farewell to pregnant women and being escorted by pregnant women when leaving their homestead, limited pregnant women’s chances of getting transport assistance from neighbours and friends. On the other hand the study found out that taboos had cultural significance in Binga hence why women adhered to them. It can thus be concluded that taboos should be well known beyond the current body of knowledge if maternal mortality rates are to decline in Zimbabwe. They should be critically analysed and unpacked to decipher the content of the knowledge within them from an Afro centric perspective and a conventional point of view. Finally, the study recommends the need for appropriate strategies to disseminate information of taboos that contribute to maternal mortality and reinforcing taboos that preserve our cultural heritage. How to cite this article using ASWNet style Zinyemba, L. (2023). The role played by taboos in exposing women to maternal mortality in Binga, Zimbabwe. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(4), 113-120. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i4.3 Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net

Kuumba/Mentoring future leaders in social work and development

The Africa Social Work and Development Network (ASWDNet) creates, aggregates and disseminates information and resources to facilitate social work and development on the African continent. It was formed in 2020. The pan-African focus that the Network adopted has its history in the work of the Association of Social Work Education in Africa (ASWEA) which was formed in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1965 and operated from 1973-1989. The ASWDNet has developed ways of moulding and mentoring young people, for, they are the future of social work and development. These are the Kuumba | Mentoring Group (K|MG) and the Social Work and Development Student Conference (SWDSC) held annually on the Day of the African Child, beginning 2023. Kuumba (mentoring) means transferring knowledge and skills to muumbwi (mentee), usually younger that the muumbi (mentor) in a manner that is appropriate and acceptable to a cultural, natural or artificial setting. Kuumba mentoring services are for students or upcoming professionals who will work with established senior professionals in mentoring focused on learning, research, practice or careers in general. The mentor and mentee/s establish a mentoring relationship that allows the mentee/s to grow professionally and to be confident in their practice. The Ubuntu mentoring model is used. The elements of this model are (1) critical mentoring, a commitment to Africanism and decolonization (2) organic mentoring - as much as possible, organic mentoring is promoted, which is mentoring relationships grow naturally, on their own (3) continuum of mentoring - we build on the past and contribute to the anticipated future because mentoring is not a once-off thing (4) family and community focused mentoring (5) group mentoring and (6) age group or peer mentoring. This presentation will provide information about these two programs and how they contribute to the future of social work and development in Africa. How to cite using ASWNet style Mugumbate, R. (2023). Kuumba/Mentoring future leaders in social work and development. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(4), 93. Social Work and Development Student Conference (SWDSC), 16 June 2023. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i4.5 Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net

How food insecurity experience among older adults can provide evidence for an innovative, system-led and culturally-sound social work practice interventions in a communal Ghana

As people grow older and lose capacity to maintain activity in securing food for themselves either because of functional disability or financial incapacity, there should be a meso and or macro support services to ensure food security amongst them. In Ghana, evidence show that most older people report food insecurity, necessitating a need for a reflection on how social work professional (with its core mandate) can innovatively and culturally promote food security for older adults in Ghanaian context. Deploying descriptive qualitative analysis, this study presents the qualitative findings of older adults’ experiences of food insecurity across three regions of Ghana. Overarchingly, the analysis identified three major themes related to food insecurity experience recurrent to all or most of the participants. The themes include 1) sources of food items for older adults; 2) perspective on accessibility to food; 3) finances determining older adults’ food accessibility. Results are discussed in relation to existing literature and social work implications. Social work profession in Ghana can adopt innovative and culturally sound approaches, including ‘nnoboa’ in ensuring food security for older adults. The findings contribute to the evidence base for social work, elaborating the in-depth understanding of the experiences of food insecurity in old age. How to cite using ASWNet style Asamoah, B. (2023). How food insecurity experience among older adults can provide evidence for an innovative, system-led and culturally-sound social work practice interventions in a communal Ghana. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(4), 00. Social Work and Development Student Conference (SWDSC), 16 June 2023. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i4.6 Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net

Reviving BaTonga culture to support community development: A case of Zambezi Valley communities, Zimbabwe

The Tonga culture in the Zambezi Valley has lost some value due to various driving factors which speeded the atomisation of culture amongst BaTonga people in North-Western Zimbabwe. The main thrust of the paper is to identify major causes of cultural decay in the Zambezi Valley communities, assess the impact of cultural decay and suggest solutions that are aimed at preservation of BaTonga culture in ways that promote community development This study was carried out in the Zambezi Valley communities of Binga, Nyaminyami, and Hwange with a sample size of 30 people targeting Tonga people. Mixed methods and simple statistics were used to quantify the data collected during the research. Ethically, local leadership (chiefs and village heads), heads of departments in the districts were consulted to seek permission to carry out the research. The key informants and focussed group discussion participants were carefully selected to include old men and women who were displaced from Zambezi River during the construction of the Kariba dam in 1950’s as well as group of able-bodied men, women and youth to obtain detailed information on the phenomenon which is under review. The need for this research therefore arose due to unbridled increase in disappearance of cultural values and norms among BaTonga people along Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe. How to cite this article using ASWNet style Muntanga W. (2023). Reviving BaTonga culture to support community development. A case of Zambezi Valley communities, Zimbabwe. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(4), 121-126. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i4.4 Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net

Exploring the Underlying Ways of Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking skills in the present dynamic and rapidly changing world are crucial skills that enable individuals to engage in rational and independent thinking to make decent and consistent decisions. This article aims at exploring multifarious underlying ways of enhancing critical thinking skills. It provides readers with definitions of critical thinking and critical thinking skills. It pinpoints key components of critical thinking, barriers to critical thinking, and the major strategies for enhancing these skills. Qualitative data related to critical thinking skills were gathered in the forms of lexes and lexical expressions through a scrupulous review of journal articles, website documents and relevant books published between 1984 and 2023. They served as secondary sources of qualitative data that were explored and analyzed through instances that led to broader concepts regarding critical thinking skills. It is concluded that both acquisition and application of these skills were imperative for individuals to adeptly formulate their fair decisions. Teachers, students, researchers and critics will find this article highly valuable as it equips them with the necessary skills to think critically and make well-versed decisions about a given subject matter.

Leveraging Ubuntu values and principles as cultural strength to overcome mental health and emotional wellbeing issues

There is a need for African people living in Australia to consider leveraging Ubuntu values as a cultural strength to address mental health and emotional wellbeing issues. for African people living in Australia. This paper is a systematic review research which employed key terms such as mental health, emotional wellbeing, African Australian, Young people. There were no participants involved, however the research articles that were reviewed in the study only focused on the African Australian community. Mental health issues among African Australian youth need to be better understood, as studies have shown they are at a higher risk for mental health, yet there has been insufficient research on the topic. In this study, most articles we employed highlighted that the extensive research on that reported migrants to be at ten times higher risk of experiencing mental health issues compared to the general population. Many studies carried out in the African Australian community have drawn more attention to the African Australian culture. This raises the need for research to be conducted on African Australian young people aged 15-29 years which is the Australian age range of a young person, to sensitize the African Australian community on mental health issues, and factors leading to young people's mental health problems in African Australian society. The aim of the study was to raise awareness about mental health issues facing the African, Australian young people and suggesting ways forward to support young people. The finding of the study demonstrates significance and values to address mental health issues in African-Australian Community groups. Research asserted that young immigrants are at greater risk of developing mental illness due to resettlement, cultural transition, and separation from extended family members. Young people lacking a secure base for emotional support from their families are more likely to face mental health issues in their lives. Mental health issues in the African context may not be categorized as a vast problem, but instead identified as life circumstances that every individual encounter. Since mental health subject is a taboo in the African culture, the study encouraged young people to pair up with other African youths to create awareness and advocate to access mental health services should need arise. This study encourages young people and their families from African heritage to leverage Ubuntu values and principles as their cultural strengths in dealing with challenging issues such as mental health and emotional wellbeing issues. How to reference using ASWNet style: Kagola F. & Abur W. (2023). Leverage Ubuntu values and principles as cultural strength to overcome mental health and emotional well-being issues. African Journal of Social Work, 13(6), 312-324. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.5 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

Building economic strengthening programmes for youth in South Africa: determinants of success and failure

Africa, conceptually, geographically, politically, economically, religiously and socially is in bondage and this bondage is South Africa has one of the worst youth unemployment problems in the world. The high rate of youth unemployment results in multi-dimensional range of social challenges that negatively affect the wider community and economy. Social workers in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are adopting economic strengthening programmes (ESP) to empower unemployed youth. However, factors that are key to determining success of ESP are not precisely understood. The study utilised qualitative case study research design. Data was collected using in-depth interviews from 30 purposively selected youth aged 15–24 years, 6 NGO practitioners and 5 Department of Social Development (DSD). The Ubuntu philosophy was used as a theory for analysing and interpreting data. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Fort Hare. The aim of the study was to explore the determinants of youth’s success in ESP in South African NGOs. Findings established that lack of access to start-up finance, poor links to strategic partnerships and mentorship platforms were inhibiting factors for youth to establish successful enterprises. The study recommends social workers and NGOs to merge efforts and resources with other stakeholders to foster implementation of effective ESP in marginalised communities. How to reference using ASWNet style: Zibengwa, E. & Tanga, P. T. (2023). Building economic strengthening programmes for youth in South Africa: determinants of success and failure. African Journal of Social Work, 13(3), 325-332. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.6 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

A model of blended family (stepfamily) formation in Ethiopia: a constructivist grounded theory

This study aimed at developing a model that describes and explains blended family formation in Ethiopia. It is part of an ongoing dissertation entitled “Family functioning experiences of blended families in Ethiopia.” We employed constructivist grounded theory both as a method and result of inquiry. This theory states that knowledge is constructed out of the dynamic interaction between the researcher, participants, and the context. Accordingly, we were informed by the guiding principles, data organization and analytical tools the theory provides. We interviewed fourteen participants drawn from seven families. We developed a model that depicted the major contributing factors to blend, and the procedures partners use to form their families in the context of Ethiopia. The study identified the state partners were in, categorized as problem state and aspiration state, before blending as contributing factors. Problem state refers to the challenging situation partners were in due to several factors. Aspiration state refers to the situation of partners who were seeking for a marriage partner for the betterment of their life. The result also showed partners’ decision and action of blending were influenced by community and family members involvement. We discussed the results in light of the Ubuntu philosophy, the Ukama and the Ujamaa African theories. Finally, we provided recommendations that would give insight to enhance the quality of blended family formation in Ethiopia. How to reference using ASWNet style: Fikre, K & Minaye, A. (2023). A model of blended family (stepfamily) formation in Ethiopia: a constructivist grounded theory African Journal of Social Work, 13(6), 303-311. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.4 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

Personal communication as a phenomenon in Algerian society: an ethnographic study on a sample of families in the state of M'Sila

This study was conducted in the province of M’Sila, Algeria, to understand the patterns of personal communication the patterns refer to the exchange of information, ideas, opinions, or emotions between two or more individuals in a direct and personal manner, typically through verbal or nonverbal means such as face-to-face conversations, phone calls, video chats, or written messages. It can occur between friends, family members, within families and its importance in strengthening family relationships. The researchers used Ethnographic methodology as a technique to reach the participants observation and interview tools to analyze the patterns of personal communication within families. The study showed that personal communication within families is continuous and characterized by affection, love, and respect, and there are differences in personal communication patterns between older and younger generations. The study also indicated that personal communication plays an important role in building family relationships, enhancing communication, and empathy among family members. The results of this study can be used to design training and educational programs to promote personal communication within families and enhance family relationships, thus promoting family health and stability. How to reference using ASWNet style: Takiedddine Y & Taqiyeddine B. (2023). Personal communication as a phenomenon in Algerian society: an ethnographic study on a sample of families in the state of M'Sila. African Journal of Social Work, 13(6), 294-302. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.3 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

An ecosocial work model for social work education in Africa

There is a growing call for social work to contribute to the international movement towards sustainability to address the interconnected multiple ecological, social, and economic crises created by the global capitalist hegemony. This call is important for African social work given vulnerable people in Africa are primary victims of unsustainability. In this paper, we propose a model of an ecosocial work course for African undergraduate social work education. This proposal is based on our earlier review of the Bachelor of Social Work curricula of 12 universities in four African countries to determine the extent to which ecosocial content were addressed. Our review indicated the absence of an ecosocial approach in the curricula. To fill this gap, we then designed a model of an ecosocial work course based on our international experience in social work, our ongoing studies on sustainability, and relevant literature regarding Africa. We hope this model will be adopted by social work programmes in different African universities and used to shape social work students who will deal with the interconnected multiple crises in their practice. We also hope that this proposal will help African social work play a crucial role in the sustainable development of the continent. How to reference using ASWNet style: Tadesse M. E. and Obeng J. K. (2022). An ecosocial work model for social work education in Africa. African Journal of Social Work, 13(2), 57-69. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i2.2 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net