Back to basics to cater for kids’ needs

In the wake of celebrating Children’s Day, on 20 November, it seems befitting to reflect on children in dire need of physical, emotional and social needs.
Polokwane Observer spoke to educational psychologist, Marius Liebenberg, who says one can safely assume that about a third of all youth are in need of physical, emotional and social assistance.
“These needs are aptly illustrated by the renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow in his hierarchy of needs,” Liebenberg explains.
He says although this theory is scientifically debatable, it illustrates man’s motivational levels of needs.
The needs are psychological (food, water, shelter and sleep), safety-related (sense of self security, job security, health security and a safe environment), relationship needs (love, strong bonds and belongingness), esteem needs (self-confidence, respect for others and a good reputation) and lastly, self-actualisation (morality, spontaneity, lack of prejudice and a non-judgemental attitude).
“When you compare the needs situation of an alarming percentage of our youth to Maslow’s needs hierarchy, the similarity is clear and needs to be addressed,” Liebenberg reckons.
He says one should bear in mind that the severity of the situation is exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The crucial questions therefore are; ‘What is the cause? and ‘How to address it?’. The causes are multifaceted and therefore requires thorough educational, psychological, social and political research,” Liebenberg adds.
Liebenberg suggests that research should be conducted at all levels and that it should be done with respect to the ethical conduct of human scientific research.
“The research should look for answers as to why such a high percentage of youth are deprived of needs fulfilment.”
A further suggestion is to go back to basics; meaning the family structure should be restored.
“According to the preamble to our Constitution, one of its aims is to ‘Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person’, but how to do this is the crucial question that is not answered,” Liebenberg says.
As a seasoned evaluator of youth with special needs, Liebenberg advocates the formation of an elected structure which comprises of qualified formal helping professionals including members of the clergy.
“The skilled representatives should identify the reasons for the problem and come forward with possible solutions and courses of action that the authorities can adopt,” he suggests.
Liebenberg feels these members should be selected on the merits of knowledge, experience, high ethical norms and values.