Abstract
M.Ed.
The study was done at the Orlando East campus of District Three community
college in Soweto, south of Johannesburg. My participants were students at the
above mentioned community college.
Social support services are important for students at a community college. Due to
the fact that these students are adults, they have responsibilities to shoulder. I
therefore believe that community colleges are in need of social support services
such as guidance and counseling, a library, as well as a childcare centre, to
enable the enrolled students to cope with their academic challenges. •
Selected participants were interviewed as a group and also individually to get
their perceptions on what they might need in order to meet their academic
challenges.
The findings of the research in summary, highlighted the following concerns.
Firstly, a need for a library was expressed because homes are not conducive
enough for studying. Secondly, a need for guidance on career choice because
many of the students do not have a vision of their future and counseling services
because many of the students have personal problems. Finally, a need for a
childcare centre wherein students' children can be protected from abuse, and
which will enable students to attend classes regularly.
The implications of the study are as follows:
Students at a community college need a library for academic support. They need
guidance on career choices to prepare them for the working world. They also
need counseling services to help them deal with personal problems, which affect
them emotionally. Finally, they need a childcare centre wherein their children can
be looked after.