Thirteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

The study explored the knowledge that in-school youth in Vhembe District, South Africa have regarding responsible citizenship. Qualitative and exploratory design was adopted to access in-depth data. Mobilization processes were considered to access twenty male and female youth in a particular rural community that was purposefully selected. In order to collect data, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with each participant. Data were analysed thematically. It was evident in the analysed data that in-school youth define responsible citizenship in terms of knowledge and practice of one’s constitutional rights, lifestyle, and relationship and interaction with peers, siblings, and parents. It was concluded that in-school youth have a clear knowledge regarding responsible citizenship and understand that being responsible should be compared with being irresponsible so that in-school youth know how to live in their communities and at school. The study recommended that in-school youth must be trained on issues about responsible citizenship so that they can be part of development of their families, communities, and schools.