Vulnerability and Agency in the Time of COVID-19: The Narratives of Child and Youth Care Workers in South Africa

Abstract

In this paper, we use data generated through one-on-one interviews with 12 purposively sampled Child and Youth Care Workers to examine their narratives of work and life-related vulnerabilities and agency during the peak of the COVID-19 global pandemic in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Our findings show that Child and Youth Care Workers were vulnerable to poor mental health. Indeed, working and socialising during the height of COVID-19 posed a mental toll on the Child and Youth Care Workers in this study, who experienced fear, uncertainty, anxiety and stress. Moreover, these workers faced challenges with working under the so-called new normal, which was instituted as part of a non-pharmaceutical response to slow and curb the spread of COVID-19. Finally, our findings show that Child and Youth Care Workers actively identified and applied specific emotionally-focused and physically-focused coping mechanisms to deal with the burden brought on by the pandemic. The study has implications for CYCWs working during crisis periods.

The Road to Universal Healthcare Coverage in the Face of COVID-19: South Africa’s Struggles and Prospects

“…Furthermore, Masuku et al [17] specified that child and youth caregivers were exposed to poor mental health because they experienced anxiety, insecurity, and stress. Moreover, these workers have faced challenges when working under the socalled new normal, which was introduced as part of a non-pharmaceutical response to contain the spread of COVID-19 [17].…”

“…Furthermore, Masuku et al [17] specified that child and youth caregivers were exposed to poor mental health because they experienced anxiety, insecurity, and stress. Moreover, these workers have faced challenges when working under the socalled new normal, which was introduced as part of a non-pharmaceutical response to contain the spread of COVID-19 [17]. According to Banda Chitsamatanga and Malinga [18], the hasty spread of COVID-19 leads to panic around the world and calls into question the preparedness of public health systems to deal with it.…”

Finding Balance with Music: Music Therapy as a Tool for Recovery and Increasing Welfare for Orphans of COVID-19 Victims

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to children orphaned by the virus, leaving them in a vulnerable state both emotionally and psychologically. 11 During this challenging time, music therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment for these children to process their emotions and deal with the grief of losing a parent. 12 Research has shown that music therapy can effectively reduce anxiety and stress, improve mood regulation, and increase overall well-being.…”