Community Members Research Articles

Bringing the Ocean to the Stage: Performing Coastal Values and Marine Management

Recent years have witnessed a seemingly constant call for improved understanding of human–ocean relationships, resulting in a “boom” of marine social science research, sometimes framed through the lens of ocean literacy. Defined as having an understanding of your influence on the ocean, and its influence on you, ocean literacy has gained traction in recent years as a way of better understanding the complexities of human–ocean relationships. However, despite this interest in the human dimensions of the ocean, coasts and seas, and a corresponding increase in broader marine social sciences research, qualitative and arts‐based research approaches continue to remain on the periphery of ocean research. This article explores the role of two ocean research “outliers,” intersecting arts‐based practice and marine social sciences through the lens of interconnected performances designed to explore the diverse values held by communities about their marine and coastal environment. Undertaken as part of the Diverse Marine Values project, the performances brought together ocean scientists, coastal and marine managers, and community members to create original performance pieces in Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, and Portsmouth, England. Drawing heavily on applied theatre practice and scholarship, these distinct but interrelated performances utilised elements of forum theatre, devised theatre, and storytelling to address marine issues important to each respective community, with a view to understanding and fostering ocean literacy. In each location, the performance work illustrated ways in which theatre can serve as not only a tool for science communication, but also a research method to explore a range of ocean literacy dimensions. The performances helped the research team, comprised jointly of specialist theatre practitioners and experts in ocean literacy, coastal management, and plastics pollution to reshape data collection and stakeholder engagement. This collaborative theatre‐making process led to deeper conversations and embedded engagement within each coastal community. It also led to a fundamental reshaping of the questions and approaches that the marine managers and scientists asked of the communities in question. The article presents a discussion of the challenges of bridging these related, but often distant, disciplines, and highlights the role of arts‐based research practice in broader ocean literacy research and discourse.

Impacts of Solar Home Systems in Rural Areas: A Case Study in Bangladesh

Access to electricity is important for development in general, but access at low costs is a vital tool of economic and social development, especially for those locations that lie very far from the grid. The present study investigates the impacts of solar home systems in a rural area of Bangladesh, focusing on the ways in which the adoption of SHS transforms household livelihoods. It has improved the lives of the community members through an affordable and reliable source of electricity that allowed enhanced lighting and security, increased educational opportunities, empowerment of women, reduced reliance on harmful energy sources, increased economic productivity, environmental sustainability, human relationships and well-being. These studies emphatically underscore the fact that the biggest challenge remains affordability: in most instances, SHS is accessed through family savings or loans from NGOs. In spite of these barriers, SHS has conventionally been portrayed as an empowering tool that enhances the quality of life and aids in fulfilling the goals of sustainable development in rural areas. The paper concludes by relating conventional energy sources with a comparison, emphasizing broader benefits and possible long-term potentials for SHS in tackling energy poverty within rural Bangladesh.

Urban Challenges Faced by the Hijra Community

This research focuses on the challenges faced by the hijra community in urban India, touching upon issues such as economic marginalization, discrimination, and the point of intersection between religion and caste, all within the LGBTQ+ context. Hijras are individuals who are born biologically male, and identify as trans women, and live in small, secretive communities across South Asia, forming a very distinctive cultural group. This study draws on in-depth interviews with two members of the hijra community in Mumbai, India, offering a first-hand account of their struggles. The findings of this research revealed that many members of the hijra community confine themselves to low-income hustles such as begging, or sex work, due to rampant discrimination that exists in the heteronormative post-colonial South-Asian societies. This also contributes to their lack of access to healthcare, safe housing, protection from hate crimes, and a declining mental health on a community-wide level. Despite legal progress, many challenges related to identity recognition and humanizing the community persist. This introductory article thus advocates for various empowerment initiatives to facilitate a more inclusive and equitable environment for hijra individuals in urban India.

The Role of ward Police staff in Enhancing Rural Human Security: Evidence from Moshi District Council

Rural districts in Tanzania face significant challenges in maintaining human security, with crime rates often exacerbated by limited law enforcement resources and community disengagement. This study addresses the critical role of Ward Police Staff (WPS) in mitigating these issues, focusing on their impact within the Moshi District Council. The primary aim is to examine the role of Ward Police Staff in Moshi District Council, Tanzania. A pragmatic research philosophy was adopted, allowing for the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics involved. Moshi District was selected for this study due to its unique human security challenges, including a higher crime rate compared to neighboring districts, making it an ideal case for exploring the effectiveness of community-police collaboration. The research involved 188 participants, including Ward Executive Officers (WEOs), victims, and community members, and data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, group discussions, and documentary reviews. A concurrent triangulation nested explanatory research design was employed, with quantitative data analyzed using SPSS software 26 version and qualitative data subjected to thematic analysis. The findings reveal the critical role of WPS in fostering community engagement and promoting security. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and local authorities in developing strategies to enhance human security in similar rural contexts. Recommendations include strengthening community engagement, customizing security initiatives, and providing continuous training for WPS to adapt to community needs effectively.

The Impact of Deployment of National Police Reservists on the Overall Security Incidents in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

The use of police reservists has been recognized as a key strategy in enhancing security, especially in conflict-prone regions like Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. Their unique advantage lies in their proximity to the local community, quick response capabilities, and familiarity with both the terrain and the people they serve. These traits, combined with their role in community policing, have proven vital in addressing resource-based conflicts and cattle rustling. Despite challenges such as limited personnel and the presence of firearms, reservists have significantly contributed to reducing violence and fostering better relations between law enforcement and local communities. The data used in this paper was part of a study that examined the relationship between the deployment of National Police Reservists and security incidents in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. Through a cross-sectional survey, data was collected from community members through a questionnaire (n = 362), interviews (the County Commander, Subcounty Commanders, Officer Commanding Police Stations and administrative Chiefs; n = 7) and FGDs (n = 7 police reservists). The Friedman Test was conducted to evaluate whether the deployment of NPRs led to reduction in the frequency of security incidents. Qualitative data, was analysed thematically. The study established that the deployment of National Police Reservists (NPRs) had a significant impact on crime reduction (χ²(4) = 11.800, p = .019). The community considered the police reservists as effective in maintaining peace and security, with residents reporting increased safety and expressing strong trust in their abilities. There was a high level of trust in the reservists' ability to protect the community. The potential challenges in the deployment of National Police Reservists include logistical constraints, inadequate communication infrastructure, limited training and resource shortages. The study recommends the continued deployment of NPRs while monitoring and evaluating their impact regularly. In addition, there is need to build on the strong community trust in NPRs by enhancing community engagement and communication. There is need to invest to increase resource allocation to the NPRs as well as address the logistical constraints faced by reservists.

Characterization of thioredoxin-thioredoxin reductase system in Filifactor alocis.

Filifactor alocis is a newly appreciated member of the periodontal community with a strong periodontal disease correlation. Little is known about the survival mechanisms by which F.alocis copes with oxidative stress and establishes the infection within the local inflammatory microenvironment of the periodontal pocket. The aim of this study is to investigate if F.alocis putative peroxiredoxin/AhpC protein FA768 may constitute an alkyl hydroperoxide reductase system utilizing putative thioredoxin reductase protein FA608, and putative thioredoxin/glutaredoxin homolog FA1411/FA455. FA768, FA608, FA1411 and FA455 proteins from F.alocis were expressed and purified from Escherichia coli. Insulin and 5,5-dithio-bis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) reduction assays were performed to determine if purified FA1411 and FA455 proteins could be a substrate for FA608. The peroxidase activity of FA768 was examined by measuring its ability to reduce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with FA608 and FA1411/FA455 provided as the reducing systems. Further, the hydroperoxide substrate specificity of FA768 was analyzed by monitoring the NADPH oxidation in the presence of different peroxides, including H2O2, cumyl hydroperoxide (CHP), and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). In this study, we have demonstrated the existence of a functioning thioredoxin-dependent alkyl hydroperoxide system in F.alocis. This system is comprised of a thioredoxin reductase (FA608), a thioredoxin/glutaredoxin homolog (FA1411/FA455), and a typical 2-cysteine peroxiredoxin/AhpC (FA768). FA608, together with FA1411/FA455, can function as a thioredoxin reductase system to reduce insulin, DTNB, and FA768. FA455 is a glutaredoxin-like protein with thioredoxin functions in F.alocis. Both the FA768/FA608/FA1411 and FA768/FA608/FA455 reductase systems were NADPH-dependent and exhibited specificity for broad hydroperoxide substrates H2O2, CHP, and t-BHP. This is the first study of a thioredoxin dependent alkyl hydroperoxide system from a periodontal pathogen. This system is proposed to protect F.alocis against oxidative stress due to the likely absence of a catalase or an additional peroxiredoxin homolog.

Amphimeriasis in Ecuador-Prevalence, Knowledge, and Socio-Cultural Practices Among Indigenous Chachi and Montubios Populations: A Mixed-Methods Cross-Sectional Study.

Amphimerus, a liver fluke, is the causative agent of amphimeriasis, a foodborne disease acquired thought the consumption of infected raw or undercooked river fish-a practice embedded in traditional culinary customs. Amphimeriasis represents a significant public health issue and has been endemic in Ecuador since 2011, particularly among the Chachi Amerindians and Montubios populations residing in tropical ecoregions. By employing a mixed-methods research design, we conducted a community-based, cross-sectional study. A survey comprising of 63 questions on KAP was administrated in person to community members, health personnel, and academic staff in the two populations. Additionally, 67 semi-structured interviews were performed. Microscopy was achieved on 273 human and 80 dog fecal samples to detect Amphimerus eggs. A total of 86 questionnaires (54 Chachi) and 67 interviews (44 Chachi), out of 300 residents, were completed. Among the respondents, 31.4% were aware of Amphimerus, locally referred to as "liver worm". Although 79.1% reported not consuming raw fish, most admitted eating raw fish with lime juice and salt, a preparation known as "curtido", and 59.3% reported consuming smoked fish. Here, 86.1% of participants considered "liver worm" a serious disease, and 55.8% recognized raw or marinated fish as a potential transmission route. The Chachi showed a preference for smoked fish, whereas the Montubios favoured "curtido". The prevalence of Amphimerus infection was 23% in humans and 16.2% in dogs. Differences in KAP were observed between infected and non-infected individuals. Local health and academic personnel demonstrated insufficient knowledge about amphimeriasis. Some religious individuals refrained from participating, stating that they were "with God". Despite the high prevalence of Amphimerus infection in both humans and dogs, knowledge about the parasite, the disease, and its transmission routes remains limited. Health education initiatives should be designed to modify the population's KAP. It is crucial for national and local health authorities, as well as religious leaders, to be informed and actively involved in the prevention and control of amphimeriasis.

The Effects of Identity Politics on Security in Baringo County, Kenya

Identity politics have been found to create divisions in societies with multiple ethnic communities due to varied cultural and ethnic dynamics leading to insecurity. Baringo County, situated in Kenya's North Rift Valley region, h hosts different ethnic communities and has historically grappled with protracted conflicts. However, there has been limited research exploring the effects of identity politics and the county's security landscape. This study sought to investigate the effect of identity politics on security in Baringo County. This study employed a descriptive survey design utilizing a mixed methods approach for data collection. The target population was comprised residents of Baringo County who had resided there for at least ten years. The findings from the two sets of tools were triangulated to obtain a thick description on the relationship between cultural dynamic and security. This study found that, identity politics had negative effects on security in Baringo County, Kenya manifested four pathways which were: fragmentation and polarization of communities, conflict and violence between communities, radicalization and extremism community members and diversion of resources from the localities. The findings demonstrated that these aspects mutually reinforced each other creating an environment of hostilities that led to violent conflicts. Therefore, rather than unite to fight challenges faced in development, identity politics created fissures whose end result is insecurity thus denying residents peace. To enhance peaceful coexistence there is need to address the underlying issues that that encouraged ethnic diversionary politics and instead embrace inclusivity to enhance unity in the region.

Bifurcated Bolivia: Indigenous Governance and Land Struggles in the Eastern Lowlands

This paper analyzes Indigenous politics in Bolivia, the 2019 coup against President Evo Morales, and the return of the Movimiento al Socialismo (Movement for Socialism, MAS) with the inauguration of Luis Arce in 2020. Drawing on interviews with Indigenous community members in the lowlands of the Bolivian Amazon, this piece theoretically situates Indigenous autonomy struggles within world systems theory and insights from Max Weber’s ‘iron cage’ of institutional isomorphism to argue that political tensions in Bolivian Indigenous communities can be understood within a context of (1) increasingly strained relations between the MAS and civil society organizations; (2) Indigenous-NGO coalition efforts to protect Tierras Comunitarias de Orígen (Native Community Lands) and; (3) the development of competing parallel leadership organizations within Native communities that threaten democratic processes and cohesive responses to extractivism.

Luxury or Cultural Tourism Activities? The Role of Narcissistic Personality Traits and Travel-Related Motivations.

This study aimed to examine the role of travel-related motivations and preferences for activities (such as learning about local culture, relaxation and entertainment, status and social recognition, escape and curiosity, and experience) in the relationship between narcissistic personality traits and the preference for luxury tourism versus cultural tourism. A sample of 1342 Israeli community members was analyzed. The methodology utilized parallel mediation analyses to assess how different forms of narcissism (extraverted, antagonistic, neurotic, and communal) were associated with the desire for luxury tourism over cultural tourism, as mediated by various travel-related motivations. The results indicated that narcissistic personality traits were generally associated with a preference for luxury tourism, primarily through indirect associations via travel motivations such as relaxation and entertainment, status and social recognition, and experience. The conclusion highlights the implications for understanding how specific travel-related motivations influence tourism preferences among individuals with varying levels of narcissistic traits, suggesting that tourism management strategies could benefit from a nuanced approach to personality in marketing.

Indigenous Politics of Emancipatory Education in Bolivia: The Role of the Escuela-Ayllu of Warisata

This article analyzes how the Escuela-Ayllu of Warisata in Bolivia challenged the feudal system known as gamonalismo in the 1930s-1940s within the broader context of Indigenous struggle. It demonstrates that distinct currents of Indigenous education, including indigenismo, Caciques-Apoderados’ Centro Educativo de Aborígenes “Bartolomé de las Casas,” and Alcaldes Mayores Particulares’ escuelas particulares, informed the Escuela-Ayllu’s community-led education. It argues that Warisata’s community members turned the Escuela-Ayllu into a political space of communal democracy that undermined the rural order structured by internal colonialism.

Monitoring the genetic diversity in holothurian populations from the Italian coasts with mitochondrial DNA sequences

Sea cucumbers are deposit feeding members of marine benthic communities. The over-exploitation of sea cucumber natural stocks, especially in the Mediterranean basin, is having negative impacts on the marine ecosystem. This concerns had led the Italian government to take legal actions to preserve these important marine resources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of genetic diversity and population structures within two sympatric Holothuria sea cucumber species, H. polii and H. tubulosa, across ten Mediterranean areas along Italy. A 323 bp portion of the COI mitochondrial gene was sequenced in a total of 441 holothurians (251 H. polii, 177 H. tubulosa and 13 from other species). Genetic diversity analyses and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) suggest that H. polii and H. tubulosa species are distinct, but within and among populations are homogeneous, indicating active gene flows across the Mediterranean areas investigated. H. polii showed a lower genetic diversity than H. tubulosa, probably related to differences in life history traits. Phylogenetic analyses showed a clear differentiation between the two species, even if six specimens morphologically assigned to a species clustered within the other species, indicating a possible occurrence of hybridization events. These data will be useful in implementing conservation actions for these holothurian genetic resources.

Community learning for marketing management and digital marketing of Jasmine Rice by Nong Hin Housewives Group, Ratchaburi Province

Background and Aim: The Nong Hin Housewives Group has been instrumental in cultivating and marketing Jasmine rice, a product renowned for its quality. However, the group faces challenges in adopting modern marketing strategies, particularly in the digital realm. This study aims to analyze the current marketing practices, identify gaps in digital marketing skills, and develop a framework for effective community learning. By leveraging digital tools, the group can enhance its marketing efforts, reach a broader audience, and increase product sales. Materials and Methods: This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Surveys were distributed to 200 community members across different generations to assess their digital media usage and preferences. In-depth interviews were conducted with key members of the Nong Hin Housewives Group to understand their marketing challenges and aspirations. Data were analyzed using statistical methods for the survey responses and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results: The findings reveal a significant disparity in digital media usage among different generations, with Facebook emerging as the most popular platform. The data indicate that 66.50% of respondents actively use Facebook for marketing purposes. The study also identified challenges related to digital literacy within the community, affecting the effective use of online marketing tools. Despite these challenges, there is a strong interest in learning and adapting to digital marketing strategies. Conclusion: The research underscores the importance of community learning in enhancing the marketing management and digital marketing capabilities of the Nong Hin Housewives Group. By investing in digital literacy training and developing tailored marketing strategies, the group can significantly improve its outreach and sales of Jasmine rice. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing support and resources to facilitate the transition into effective digital marketing practices.

Understanding Sunda Wiwitan of Cigugur Kuningan: Between Tradition, Culture, and Adaptation of Communication Technology

Sunda Wiwitan in Cigugur Kuningan maintains respect for the traditions and customs that have become an integral part of their culture. Along with the rapid changes in communication technology, this research aims to understand the development of communication technology in the Sunda Wiwitan community and how they preserve their culture in the modern era. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach, which includes interviews and content analysis to collect data from key informants. The results showed that although the Sunda Wiwitan community quickly adopted modern communication technologies such as the internet and social media, they also needed time to develop appropriate usage guidelines. The research revealed that despite accepting new technologies, this community remains committed to maintaining their cultural values and traditions, including the use of traditional clothing to filter out foreign cultural influences. The implications of this research suggest that technology can be integrated into indigenous communities without erasing their cultural identity. In addition, the results highlight the importance of developing policies that support cultural preservation in the midst of technological advances, as well as the need for education for community members to optimize the use of technology while still respecting and preserving their traditions.

Participatory Community Learning to Develop a Digital Market Management System for Community Enterprises and Stable Occupation Groups Nam Phrik Kaeng Krua Khanong, Song Khanong Subdistrict, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province

Background and Aim: Digital Marketing Management is critical for successfully promoting products and services in the digital age. It allows businesses to reach a larger audience, interact with customers in real-time, and tailor strategies based on data insights to boost growth and brand awareness. This study investigates the digital marketing practices of the Song Khanong Occupation Group in Prik Kaeng Krua Khanong, Nakhon Pathom Province, aiming to enhance customer engagement, brand awareness, and sales outcomes by focusing on Generation Z and Baby Boomers. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods approach was utilized, combining surveys of 200 community members on digital media usage, content preferences, brand perception, and customer satisfaction, along with interviews with key stakeholders about marketing strategies. Data analysis involved calculating mean scores to assess satisfaction with digital marketing elements. Results: Results showed high satisfaction among Generation Z, with Facebook as the preferred platform (mean score: 4.86). Infographics and videos received the highest scores (4.93 and 4.80, respectively), while Baby Boomers valued brand aesthetics (overall score: 4.77). Tools like Chatbots and QR Codes enhanced user experience significantly. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for effective digital marketing strategies in community enterprises to boost engagement and brand recognition. High satisfaction levels indicate that tailored content and a robust online presence are essential for customer retention. Future efforts should focus on continuous improvement and leveraging technology for better communication, enabling sustainable growth for community enterprises in Song Khanong.

Signal detection analysis of affective prosody recognition in forensic inpatients who have committed sexual offenses

ABSTRACT Socio-affective functioning, or the way we interact and relate to others, is one of the four dynamic sexual recidivism risk domains. Accurately recognizing emotions enables the inference of mental and affective states supporting social adaptation. As little attention has been paid to affective prosody recognition in forensic inpatients who have committed sexual offenses (FICSOs), this study assessed the accuracy and sensitivity scores of 111 male participants assigned into three groups: FICSOs (n = 35), forensic inpatients who have committed non-sexual offenses (FICNSOs, n = 26) and community members (CoM, n = 50). Collected data also include response bias, emotion labeling reflection time, task easiness and task easiness reflection time. Using non-parametric group comparisons (Kruskal–Wallis H and Mann–Whitney U), results highlight, overall, a pervasive impairment of affective prosody recognition in FICSOs and FICNSOs compared to CoM. However, there was no difference in disgust sensitivity scores between FICSOs and CoM. FICSOs and FICNSOs took significantly longer than CoM to select an emotional label, especially for happiness. In addition, a metacognitive impairment was found in FICSOs and FICNSOs as they found the task significantly easier than CoM while being less sensitive.

Bridging the Language Gap in Healthcare: Implementing a Qualified Medical Interpreter Program for Lesser-Spoken Languages

Linguistic inequity drives systemic disparities in healthcare for non-native English speakers. This study evaluates a project to train and provide qualified medical interpreters (QMI) to assist volunteer and safety-net clinics and community-based organizations in supporting healthcare for immigrants and refugees. We provided scholarships to bilingual community members to take a medical interpreter training course and developed a workforce for those who passed the training course. We focused on lesser-spoken foreign languages such as Arabic, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, and Burmese. Those who passed the course participated in a semi-structured interview to learn about their experiences in the training program, as well as barriers and facilitators to becoming a QMI. To date, 23 people have passed the training and are part of the QMI workforce program that has provided 94 h of interpreter services over four months, serving 66 individual patients. The evaluation showed that community members have interest in becoming QMIs and many have the required language proficiency to enroll and pass training. Finding full-time employment for less spoken languages has proven to be challenging.

Redefining professionalism to improve health equity in competency based medical education (CBME): A qualitative study

Purpose There is a pressing need to address all forms of anti-oppression in medicine, given systemic harm and inequities in care and outcomes for patients and health care professionals from equity-deserving groups. Revising definitions of professionalism used in competency-based education can incorporate new professional competencies for physicians to identify and eliminate the root causes of these inequities. This study redefined the CanMEDS Professionalism definition to centre perspectives of equity-deserving groups. Methods In this qualitative study there were two phases. The authors conducted individual semi-structured interviews with participants representing equity-deserving population groups to understand their perspectives on and iteratively build a definition of medical professionalism. Then, the authors undertook a consensus-building process, a modified nominal group technique, using focus groups with community members from equity-deserving groups and healthcare providers to verify findings and arrive at an updated definition of medical professionalism. Results Four main themes were identified: 1) healthcare at the margins; 2) equity-oriented domains of professionalism; 3) structural professionalism; and 4) supporting improved professionalism. These themes were incorporated into a consensus-based definition of medical professionalism, with a focus on anti-oppression, anti-racism, accountability, safety, and equity. Conclusions The authors propose a new definition of medical professionalism that embeds anti-oppression, including anti-racism, as critical competencies in clinical practice and education.

Public information dissemination and its impact on force account implementation in Kalambo district council, Tanzania

The study assessed dissemination of public information and its impact on implementation of force accounts in Kalambo District Council in Tanzania. A cross-sectional design was employed in collecting data at one point in time with a mixed methods research approach which was used in an attempt to gain detailed information. A total of 145 participants which includes ward development committees, construction committees and community members were involved whereby 46 key informants were selected purposely based on their positions while simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 99 respondents from the community. The survey, interview, focus group discussion and documentary review method were used to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis whereas qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study findings revealed that information is not easily accessible to the public and a few shared information is not clear due to confidentiality and technical language. The findings also indicate that the public is unaware about the progress force account due to ineffective dissemination of information which leads to untimely completion of works and misuse of resources. The study concludes that there is inadequate information in the implementation of force account projects, thus resulting in poor support, acceleration of low value for money and lack of accountability due to poor public scrutiny. The study recommends that the government institutions should emphasise the use of authorised social and religious gathering in an attempt to raise awareness. Moreover, the selected committee must engage the public in decision making in order to improve transparency in implementation of projects.

Adolescent psychosocial identity development associated with traditional rituals and rites of passage in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana

ABSTRACT This paper reports on a study that explored how adolescents in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana experience their psychosocial identity development in relation to participating in traditional rituals and rites of passage. This study employed a phenomenology case study design with a purposive sampling procedure. Data was gathered from focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews and analysed through thematic content analysis. The participants were 20 adolescent learners in the focus groups, and 12 teachers, 12 parents and eight adolescents in individual interviews. The study found that adolescents undergo psychosocial identity development due to participating in ritualisation processes in a variety of ways. According to the study’s findings, initiation activities exposed adolescents to distinct cultural values, aided them in developing a larger worldview, enhanced self-awareness, and improved social skills. On the other hand, not all adolescents had favourable experiences with their traditional rituals and rites of passage. Furthermore, traditional practices may perpetuate negative gender stereotypes, and discriminatory actions and behaviour. We recommend collaborating with guidance counsellors, parents and guardians, community members, and leaders when providing counselling services to adolescents We also recommend policy development to encourage integrating traditional practices in formal schooling.