Abstract

VAN JAARSVELD, Annemarie; VERMAAK, Mia  and  VAN ROOYEN, Cornel. The developmental status of street children in Potchefstroom, South Africa. S. Afr. j. occup. ther. [online]. 2011, vol.41, n.1, pp.5-8. ISSN 2310-3833.

Owing to the high rate of school failure among the street children of the Thakaneng Shelter in Potchefstroom, South Africa, a study was conducted to determine the neuro-motor, sensory-motor, and cognitive-perceptual developmental status of these children. A descriptive study, using the standardised Quick Neurological Screening Test, the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration and Motor Co-ordination and the Test of Visual-Perceptual Skills (non-motor) - lower level, was implemented. There were 17 participants in the 6-12 years age group. The findings revealed that sensory-motor and cognitive-perceptual deficits were most dominant, particularly those necessary for school-related tasks and consequently progress at school. The results confirmed the need for an intervention program that would focus on the skills required for school performance.

Keywords : Street children; developmental status; school failure; sensory-motor deficits; cognitive-perceptual deficits.

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