Long-term perspectives of participating in extracurricular activities in an extreme context in Madagascar

Abstract

In recent decades, extreme development contexts (i.e., extreme poverty, refugee camps, conflicted areas, areas affected by climate change, sexual exploitation) are gaining ground, increasingly affecting youth throughout the world. It is crucial to examine how youth optimal development can be sustained in these extreme contexts. Extracurricular activities are considered a potential avenue, yet there is limited research on their impact, especially concerning long-term effects in adulthood. This collaborative study aims to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the long-term perspectives of young adults who engaged in extracurricular activities (specifically art-music and sports) during adolescence in the challenging southern region of Madagascar. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants (M=4; F=4), aged 19 to 27. The results indicate the value of these programs during their involvement, supporting basic psychological needs, acting as a protective factor against risky behaviors, providing a meaningful time investment, offering a nurturing environment for developing personal values, fostering personal growth, and focusing on education. Importantly, the programs appear to have a lasting impact, influencing participants' adult lives. They contribute to the development of enduring relationships, promote the acquisition of transferable cognitive and non-cognitive skills, facilitate the pursuit of new personal projects, and open doors to employment opportunities. Overall, the findings offer valuable insights into the significance of participating in extracurricular programs for youth in extreme contexts of development, both during and years after their involvement. Results underscore extracurricular programs as a valuable means to sustain optimal youth development over time, emphasizing their importance in challenging environments.