A practical study of the main transformations from social welfare to social development in Lesotho: Success factors, challenges and prospects. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manyeli, Tšepang
• Is Part Of: International social work. Volume 66:Number 3(2023)
• Page Start: 781
• Page End: 797
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Lesotho -- social change -- social development -- social welfare -- social work; Social service -- Periodicals; Social problems -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Community development -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1177/00208728231156737
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-8728

Abstract

Lesotho recently experienced a paradigm shift from social welfare to social development. The study was aimed at assessing achievements and challenges that resulted from the transition. A sequential mixed-methods approach was used. In the quantitative strand, a sample of 150 social workers and 300 beneficiaries was randomly selected, out of which a sample of four social workers' focus groups were purposively formed. Data were collected through questionnaires, structured interviews and focus group discussions. The community development programme serves as a means to incorporate a social development approach. The article recommends integration of the social development approach in specialised programmes.