Permission to Play (2002)
Group or Institution
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)
Author(s)
Rochelle Alston, Julie Body, Anna Cassey, Paulette Gaskin, Daphne Sinclair (Tutor: Margaret Couch)
Abstract
As part of the community health systems paper, a report was compiled by Waikato Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Nursing students. The objective for this research project was to gain an understanding of the developmental needs of young children (aged 2-5) of Somali culture. Aspects considered included early childhood experiences and parental expectations of young children. We worked in collaboration with Dorothy Thwaite, who is the co-ordinator for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Home Tutor Scheme.
A significant amount of information was obtained through use of the Internet, due to insufficient literature pertaining to Somali refugees.
Relevant information was also obtained through unstructured interviews with people who have had involvement and interactions with the Somali community. Three themes were derived from these interviews. These themes included: Children’s activities, family roles and interactions, and involvement with the wider community. Data collected relating to these themes was analysed in more depth to produce findings.
Information taken from secondary sources showed there appeared to be a lack of stimulus to encourage children to play. Parents kept children inside but did not have access to robust toys for children to use for developmental play. However, it was also observed that there are issues dealing with resettlement that need to be further researched.
Group/s Associated with the Research:
ESOL Home Tutor: Dorothy Thwaite
ESOL Tutors
Public Health Nurse, Mary Hayes
Early Childhood Centre, Roby Gerrity and team
The Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre
Co-ordinator at Refugee and Migrant Services, Barbara Redfern
Advice on Maori protocol and the Treaty of Waitangi, Hineraumoa Te Apiatu
A full copy of the report is available from:
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