Assessing the Role of Non-State Actors in Mitigating Juvenile Delinquency: A Case Study of Selected Non-State Actors in Yambio Town, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan.

Abstract

ZUNGUMBIA JARVAS BENEDICT (2014-M062-20001) Assessing the Role of Non-State Actors in Mitigating Juvenile Delinquency: A Case Study of Selected Non-State Actors in Yambio Town, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan. This study is designed to probe an understanding into the role that the selected Non-State Actors within Western Equatoria State (WES) especially Yambio Town, undertake to mitigate delinquency among vulnerable children. These selected Non-State Actors include: family, community and the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as situated within the circles of the social ecological system of the child. The study is set to answer questions on the following (i) the approaches which the selected Non-State Actors undertake to mitigate delinquency among vulnerable children, (ii) their specific ways in mitigating delinquency and lastly (iii) the challenges which the selected Non-State Actors face in mitigating delinquency. The study is designed qualitatively, as it examines social processes within the social ecological system of the child. On this note, the research revealed different methods that the selected non-state actors employ as approaches in the fight against delinquency. These approaches included on the part of the mentoring, family bonding, parent-child relationship, shaping the future, meanwhile community include; community engagement, community resilience, keeping good morals by exerting influence. As well the Non-Governmental Organisations have different approaches such as child Rights promotion, social Protection for vulnerable children. Also the selected non-state actors developed specific ways to combat delinquency. In doing so the family have the following specific ways: ensuring safety nets for vulnerable children, enrolling children in schools, ensuring positive socialisation, sustainable solutions. On the same note, the community gets involved in: community initiatives, risk mitigation, building protective environments, availing community responsibilities to youths. Non-Governmental Organisations usher in: parents' enhancement, consultation with families, psycho-social programmes for vulnerable children, violence prevention and peace education projects through sports, encouraging parents to ensure early stimulation of children, early child development projects, health projects for children and parents, awareness on children‟s rights and needs, provision of child friendly Space (CFS). Western Equatoria State, a region which has been embroiled in instabilities has a resultant obstacle that can impede the any activity. Therefore, the selected non-state actors have encountered challenges in pursuit of delinquency mitigation among vulnerable children. These non-state actors are facing a number of challenges some of which are not of their own making. Families as one of the non-state actors have challenges such as viscious cycle of poverty, inappropriate discipline styles, limited family income etc. In the same line communities continue to encounter challenges such as: risky neighbourhood communities, community instability. More still the NGOs, have registered the following challenges: limited resources, staff with limited knowledge on child rights, inadequate research on delinquency specific threats. This study has revealed that much as the selected non-state actors continue to fight against delinquency, much more is needed in terms of synergy between them, sourcing for resources, and enhancing their capacities respectively. Key Words: Non-State Actors, Mitigating Juvenile Delinquency, South Sudan.