The study explored the challenges students face when adjusting to university life at a public uni... more The study explored the challenges students face when adjusting to university life at a public university in Zambia, based on their lived experiences. The transition to university presents numerous difficulties, including adapting to new environments, managing financial and academic pressures, and navigating social dynamics. Rooted in the constructivism paradigm, this exploratory qualitative study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological design to collect data through in-depth interviews with fifteen students who requested for counselling. The study identified key challenges impacting student adjustment, such as unpreparedness for university life, economic hardships, inadequate accommodation, and bullying. Financial instability was highlighted as a major stressor, affecting students' ability to meet basic needs and maintain academic performance. Social factors, including peer relationships and a sense of belonging, were also crucial in influencing adjustment. Negative experiences, such as bullying and isolation, further compounded students' challenges. The study also examined potential interventions, with students suggesting the need for improved orientation programs, accessible counselling services, financial aid, and better accommodation. The findings highlight the importance of institutional support in helping students cope with the multifaceted challenges of university life. By addressing the raised issues, universities can improve student retention, well-being, and academic success. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of student adjustment at public universities and offers practical recommendations for enhancing student welfare services.
Navigating the web of career choices can be daunting for many young students, particularly those ... more Navigating the web of career choices can be daunting for many young students, particularly those transitioning from secondary school to university. This study highlights the significant gaps in career guidance among first-year university students at a public university in Zambia. Rooted in the constructivist paradigm, this qualitative study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological design to collect data from 12 students who requested a change in their study program. Guided by Gestalt theory, the findings revealed that many students received inadequate career guidance in secondary school, relying instead on their grades, childhood dreams, parental guidance, and job availability. This information gap often led to mismatched career choices and the need for program changes at the university level. The study recommends deliberate collaboration and information sharing between secondary schools and universities, including job shadowing opportunities and career talks, to help students make more informed decisions and reduce the challenges associated with choosing study programs.
Access to students’ perspectives on substance abuse is essential for effective youth intervention... more Access to students’ perspectives on substance abuse is essential for effective youth intervention projects development. This study aimed to explore students’ perspectives on abuse of drugs and alcohol with probable development of student-led intervention strategies. The study was conducted at public universities in Zambia. Student’s perspectives on drugs and alcohol abuse were documented using a mixed method design that employed purposive and snowball sampling to select 200 respondents to questionnaires and 10 to in-depth interviews. A humanistic theory approach was applied in the interpretation and analysis of the data collected. The findings showed that cannabis (30%) and codeine contained in Benylin (17%) were commonly abused. Further findings showed that students’ academic pressure was the leading cause of substance abuse (27%), followed by peer pressure (20%). Students knew that abuse of drugs and alcohol led to low academic performance, violence and theft, risks of contracting...
Access to students’ perspectives on substance abuse is essential for effective youth intervention... more Access to students’ perspectives on substance abuse is essential for effective youth intervention projects development. This study aimed to explore students’ perspectives on abuse of drugs and alcohol with probable development of student-led intervention strategies. The study was conducted at public universities in Zambia. Student’s perspectives on drugs and alcohol abuse were documented using a mixed method design that employed purposive and snowball sampling to select 200 respondents to questionnaires and 10 to in-depth interviews. A humanistic theory approach was applied in the interpretation and analysis of the data collected. The findings showed that cannabis (30%) and codeine contained in Benylin (17%) were commonly abused. Further findings showed that students’ academic pressure was the leading cause of substance abuse (27%), followed by peer pressure (20%). Students knew that abuse of drugs and alcohol led to low academic performance, violence and theft, risks of contracting...
Access to students’ perspectives on substance abuse is essential for effective youth intervention... more Access to students’ perspectives on substance abuse is essential for effective youth intervention projects development. This study aimed to explore students’ perspectives on abuse of drugs and alcohol with probable development of student-led intervention strategies. The study was conducted at public universities in Zambia. Student’s perspectives on drugs and alcohol abuse were documented using a mixed method design that employed purposive and snowball sampling to select 200 respondents to questionnaires and 10 to in-depth interviews. A humanistic theory approach was applied in the interpretation and analysis of the data collected. The findings showed that cannabis (30%) and codeine contained in Benylin (17%) were commonly abused. Further findings showed that students’ academic pressure was the leading cause of substance abuse (27%), followed by peer pressure (20%). Students knew that abuse of drugs and alcohol led to low academic performance, violence and theft, risks of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other social maladjustments. The study recommends that institutions of learning increase student-led awareness campaigns, security surveillance on campus, and collaboration with government drug enforcement agencies. Institutions of learning should involve students in the planning of programmes to deal with drug and alcohol abuse. Contribution: The study will inform amendment of drug and alcohol abuse policies in institutions of learning. The study will contribute towards the UNESCO O3 PLUS project goal of making campuses safe and inclusive, and overall, the Sustainable Development Goal 3and 4. The study serves as basis for scholars in the field of biblical theology engaged with justice, health and human development. The article is a contribution to the research project Biblical Theology and Hermeneutics. The results of this research can especially be utilised by scholars in the field of psychology of religion, the sociology of religion and practical theologians focusing on youth ministry. Keywords: drugs and alcohol abuse; public universities; student perspective; students and substance abuse; substance abuse in universities; public health; youth ministry.
International journal of humanities, social sciences and education, 2022
No person must be refused access to health services necessary to save their life or to avert seri... more No person must be refused access to health services necessary to save their life or to avert serious impairment to the individual. Student views on access to sexual and reproductive health services are not known. The study aimed at getting the views of students on access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health rights, information, and services. The setting for the study was a public tertiary learning institution in Zambia on the Copper belt province that provides sexual and reproductive health services to young people. This pragmatic study used a mixed method approach applying quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from the students. Humanistic theory was used to analyse and discuss the data. The findings indicated that the institution of learning was providing several sexual reproductive health services with condom distribution being highly accessible at 38% higher than other forms of contraceptives which were at17%. The demand for morning after pill (14%) called for concern as it indicated that students were having unprotected sex. The study also unearthed barriers that included location of service centres, lack of awareness campaigns on SRHR services, and limited number of services that were available on campus. The findings established the need to use peer educators and increasing the youth friendly spaces on campus. Recommendations based on the findings included an increase in training peer educators, so they lead student led campaigns and awareness programmes on campus.
International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education (IJHSSE), 2022
No person must be refused access to health services necessary to save their life or to avert seri... more No person must be refused access to health services necessary to save their life or to avert serious impairment to the individual. Student views on access to sexual and reproductive health services are not known. The study aimed at getting the views of students on access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health rights, information, and services. The setting for the study was a public tertiary learning institution in Zambia on the Copper belt province that provides sexual and reproductive health services to young people. This pragmatic study used a mixed method approach applying quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from the students. Humanistic theory was used to analyse and discuss the data. The findings indicated that the institution of learning was providing several sexual reproductive health services with condom distribution being highly accessible at 38% higher than other forms of contraceptives which were at17%. The demand for morning after pill (14%) called for concern as it indicated that students were having unprotected sex. The study also unearthed barriers that included location of service centres, lack of awareness campaigns on SRHR services, and limited number of services that were available on campus. The findings established the need to use peer educators and increasing the youth friendly spaces on campus. Recommendations based on the findings included an increase in training peer educators, so they lead student led campaigns and awareness programmes on campus.
The study explored the challenges students face when adjusting to university life at a public uni... more The study explored the challenges students face when adjusting to university life at a public university in Zambia, based on their lived experiences. The transition to university presents numerous difficulties, including adapting to new environments, managing financial and academic pressures, and navigating social dynamics. Rooted in the constructivism paradigm, this exploratory qualitative study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological design to collect data through in-depth interviews with fifteen students who requested for counselling. The study identified key challenges impacting student adjustment, such as unpreparedness for university life, economic hardships, inadequate accommodation, and bullying. Financial instability was highlighted as a major stressor, affecting students' ability to meet basic needs and maintain academic performance. Social factors, including peer relationships and a sense of belonging, were also crucial in influencing adjustment. Negative experiences, such as bullying and isolation, further compounded students' challenges. The study also examined potential interventions, with students suggesting the need for improved orientation programs, accessible counselling services, financial aid, and better accommodation. The findings highlight the importance of institutional support in helping students cope with the multifaceted challenges of university life. By addressing the raised issues, universities can improve student retention, well-being, and academic success. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of student adjustment at public universities and offers practical recommendations for enhancing student welfare services.
Navigating the web of career choices can be daunting for many young students, particularly those ... more Navigating the web of career choices can be daunting for many young students, particularly those transitioning from secondary school to university. This study highlights the significant gaps in career guidance among first-year university students at a public university in Zambia. Rooted in the constructivist paradigm, this qualitative study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological design to collect data from 12 students who requested a change in their study program. Guided by Gestalt theory, the findings revealed that many students received inadequate career guidance in secondary school, relying instead on their grades, childhood dreams, parental guidance, and job availability. This information gap often led to mismatched career choices and the need for program changes at the university level. The study recommends deliberate collaboration and information sharing between secondary schools and universities, including job shadowing opportunities and career talks, to help students make more informed decisions and reduce the challenges associated with choosing study programs.
Access to students’ perspectives on substance abuse is essential for effective youth intervention... more Access to students’ perspectives on substance abuse is essential for effective youth intervention projects development. This study aimed to explore students’ perspectives on abuse of drugs and alcohol with probable development of student-led intervention strategies. The study was conducted at public universities in Zambia. Student’s perspectives on drugs and alcohol abuse were documented using a mixed method design that employed purposive and snowball sampling to select 200 respondents to questionnaires and 10 to in-depth interviews. A humanistic theory approach was applied in the interpretation and analysis of the data collected. The findings showed that cannabis (30%) and codeine contained in Benylin (17%) were commonly abused. Further findings showed that students’ academic pressure was the leading cause of substance abuse (27%), followed by peer pressure (20%). Students knew that abuse of drugs and alcohol led to low academic performance, violence and theft, risks of contracting...
Access to students’ perspectives on substance abuse is essential for effective youth intervention... more Access to students’ perspectives on substance abuse is essential for effective youth intervention projects development. This study aimed to explore students’ perspectives on abuse of drugs and alcohol with probable development of student-led intervention strategies. The study was conducted at public universities in Zambia. Student’s perspectives on drugs and alcohol abuse were documented using a mixed method design that employed purposive and snowball sampling to select 200 respondents to questionnaires and 10 to in-depth interviews. A humanistic theory approach was applied in the interpretation and analysis of the data collected. The findings showed that cannabis (30%) and codeine contained in Benylin (17%) were commonly abused. Further findings showed that students’ academic pressure was the leading cause of substance abuse (27%), followed by peer pressure (20%). Students knew that abuse of drugs and alcohol led to low academic performance, violence and theft, risks of contracting...
Access to students’ perspectives on substance abuse is essential for effective youth intervention... more Access to students’ perspectives on substance abuse is essential for effective youth intervention projects development. This study aimed to explore students’ perspectives on abuse of drugs and alcohol with probable development of student-led intervention strategies. The study was conducted at public universities in Zambia. Student’s perspectives on drugs and alcohol abuse were documented using a mixed method design that employed purposive and snowball sampling to select 200 respondents to questionnaires and 10 to in-depth interviews. A humanistic theory approach was applied in the interpretation and analysis of the data collected. The findings showed that cannabis (30%) and codeine contained in Benylin (17%) were commonly abused. Further findings showed that students’ academic pressure was the leading cause of substance abuse (27%), followed by peer pressure (20%). Students knew that abuse of drugs and alcohol led to low academic performance, violence and theft, risks of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other social maladjustments. The study recommends that institutions of learning increase student-led awareness campaigns, security surveillance on campus, and collaboration with government drug enforcement agencies. Institutions of learning should involve students in the planning of programmes to deal with drug and alcohol abuse. Contribution: The study will inform amendment of drug and alcohol abuse policies in institutions of learning. The study will contribute towards the UNESCO O3 PLUS project goal of making campuses safe and inclusive, and overall, the Sustainable Development Goal 3and 4. The study serves as basis for scholars in the field of biblical theology engaged with justice, health and human development. The article is a contribution to the research project Biblical Theology and Hermeneutics. The results of this research can especially be utilised by scholars in the field of psychology of religion, the sociology of religion and practical theologians focusing on youth ministry. Keywords: drugs and alcohol abuse; public universities; student perspective; students and substance abuse; substance abuse in universities; public health; youth ministry.
International journal of humanities, social sciences and education, 2022
No person must be refused access to health services necessary to save their life or to avert seri... more No person must be refused access to health services necessary to save their life or to avert serious impairment to the individual. Student views on access to sexual and reproductive health services are not known. The study aimed at getting the views of students on access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health rights, information, and services. The setting for the study was a public tertiary learning institution in Zambia on the Copper belt province that provides sexual and reproductive health services to young people. This pragmatic study used a mixed method approach applying quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from the students. Humanistic theory was used to analyse and discuss the data. The findings indicated that the institution of learning was providing several sexual reproductive health services with condom distribution being highly accessible at 38% higher than other forms of contraceptives which were at17%. The demand for morning after pill (14%) called for concern as it indicated that students were having unprotected sex. The study also unearthed barriers that included location of service centres, lack of awareness campaigns on SRHR services, and limited number of services that were available on campus. The findings established the need to use peer educators and increasing the youth friendly spaces on campus. Recommendations based on the findings included an increase in training peer educators, so they lead student led campaigns and awareness programmes on campus.
International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education (IJHSSE), 2022
No person must be refused access to health services necessary to save their life or to avert seri... more No person must be refused access to health services necessary to save their life or to avert serious impairment to the individual. Student views on access to sexual and reproductive health services are not known. The study aimed at getting the views of students on access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health rights, information, and services. The setting for the study was a public tertiary learning institution in Zambia on the Copper belt province that provides sexual and reproductive health services to young people. This pragmatic study used a mixed method approach applying quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from the students. Humanistic theory was used to analyse and discuss the data. The findings indicated that the institution of learning was providing several sexual reproductive health services with condom distribution being highly accessible at 38% higher than other forms of contraceptives which were at17%. The demand for morning after pill (14%) called for concern as it indicated that students were having unprotected sex. The study also unearthed barriers that included location of service centres, lack of awareness campaigns on SRHR services, and limited number of services that were available on campus. The findings established the need to use peer educators and increasing the youth friendly spaces on campus. Recommendations based on the findings included an increase in training peer educators, so they lead student led campaigns and awareness programmes on campus.
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Papers by Ganizani Mwale
based on their lived experiences. The transition to university presents numerous difficulties, including adapting
to new environments, managing financial and academic pressures, and navigating social dynamics. Rooted in
the constructivism paradigm, this exploratory qualitative study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological
design to collect data through in-depth interviews with fifteen students who requested for counselling. The study
identified key challenges impacting student adjustment, such as unpreparedness for university life, economic
hardships, inadequate accommodation, and bullying. Financial instability was highlighted as a major stressor,
affecting students' ability to meet basic needs and maintain academic performance. Social factors, including peer
relationships and a sense of belonging, were also crucial in influencing adjustment. Negative experiences, such
as bullying and isolation, further compounded students' challenges. The study also examined potential
interventions, with students suggesting the need for improved orientation programs, accessible counselling
services, financial aid, and better accommodation. The findings highlight the importance of institutional support
in helping students cope with the multifaceted challenges of university life. By addressing the raised issues,
universities can improve student retention, well-being, and academic success. The study contributes to a deeper
understanding of student adjustment at public universities and offers practical recommendations for enhancing
student welfare services.
Keywords: drugs and alcohol abuse; public universities; student perspective; students and substance abuse; substance abuse in universities; public health; youth ministry.
The study aimed at getting the views of students on access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health rights, information, and services.
The setting for the study was a public tertiary learning institution in Zambia on the Copper belt province that provides sexual and reproductive health services to young people.
This pragmatic study used a mixed method approach applying quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from the students. Humanistic theory was used to analyse and discuss the data.
The findings indicated that the institution of learning was providing several sexual reproductive health services with condom distribution being highly accessible at 38% higher than other forms of contraceptives which were at17%. The demand for morning after pill (14%) called for concern as it indicated that students were having unprotected sex. The study also unearthed barriers that included location of service centres, lack of awareness campaigns on SRHR services, and limited number of services that were available on campus.
The findings established the need to use peer educators and increasing the youth friendly spaces on campus. Recommendations based on the findings included an increase in training peer educators, so they lead student led campaigns and awareness programmes on campus.
based on their lived experiences. The transition to university presents numerous difficulties, including adapting
to new environments, managing financial and academic pressures, and navigating social dynamics. Rooted in
the constructivism paradigm, this exploratory qualitative study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological
design to collect data through in-depth interviews with fifteen students who requested for counselling. The study
identified key challenges impacting student adjustment, such as unpreparedness for university life, economic
hardships, inadequate accommodation, and bullying. Financial instability was highlighted as a major stressor,
affecting students' ability to meet basic needs and maintain academic performance. Social factors, including peer
relationships and a sense of belonging, were also crucial in influencing adjustment. Negative experiences, such
as bullying and isolation, further compounded students' challenges. The study also examined potential
interventions, with students suggesting the need for improved orientation programs, accessible counselling
services, financial aid, and better accommodation. The findings highlight the importance of institutional support
in helping students cope with the multifaceted challenges of university life. By addressing the raised issues,
universities can improve student retention, well-being, and academic success. The study contributes to a deeper
understanding of student adjustment at public universities and offers practical recommendations for enhancing
student welfare services.
Keywords: drugs and alcohol abuse; public universities; student perspective; students and substance abuse; substance abuse in universities; public health; youth ministry.
The study aimed at getting the views of students on access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health rights, information, and services.
The setting for the study was a public tertiary learning institution in Zambia on the Copper belt province that provides sexual and reproductive health services to young people.
This pragmatic study used a mixed method approach applying quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from the students. Humanistic theory was used to analyse and discuss the data.
The findings indicated that the institution of learning was providing several sexual reproductive health services with condom distribution being highly accessible at 38% higher than other forms of contraceptives which were at17%. The demand for morning after pill (14%) called for concern as it indicated that students were having unprotected sex. The study also unearthed barriers that included location of service centres, lack of awareness campaigns on SRHR services, and limited number of services that were available on campus.
The findings established the need to use peer educators and increasing the youth friendly spaces on campus. Recommendations based on the findings included an increase in training peer educators, so they lead student led campaigns and awareness programmes on campus.