Research Summary on Love Land
The Feasibility of Making Love Land’s Mobile Application Available in South African Youth Programs
Erin Hector & Waseem Omar
Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town Honours in Psychology
Supervisors: Dr Catherine Ward & Chelsea Coakley 26 October 2023
Empowering young people’s mental and sexual
Introduction to the Research Findings
This study, conducted by Honours students Erin Hector and Waseem Omar under the supervision of Dr. Catherine Ward and Chelsea Coakley at the University of Cape Town, explored the feasibility of implementing Love Land, a gamified mobile application for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), within South African youth-oriented NGOs. Using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework, the researchers aimed to assess barriers, opportunities, and the sustainability of this digital intervention in resource-limited contexts.
Research Summary
The study highlights the critical need for accessible CSE, especially for underserved youth in South Africa. NGOs view Love Land as an innovative and scalable tool to address knowledge gaps, reduce risky behaviors, and promote agency among young people. Positive feedback underscored the app's potential to support youth development goals.
Key Findings
Need for CSE:
• Love Land aligns with the growing demand for engaging, age-appropriate CSE to mitigate risky behaviors and knowledge gaps.
Support for Love Land:
• NGO staff highlighted its ability to empower youth, create safe learning spaces, and integrate seamlessly into existing programs.
Barriers to Implementation:
• Technological constraints, sociocultural taboos, and resource limitations were identified as challenges to rollout.
Sustainability:
• Love Land’s adaptable design and integration potential make it suitable for longterm use within NGO frameworks.
Recommendations for Improvement
1. Expand the app's language options to include all official South African languages.
2. Enhance inclusivity with more diverse avatars and culturally relevant content.
3. Develop additional modules on gender-based violence, consent, and healthy relationships.
4. Introduce a robust rewards system and interactive, team-based features for greater engagement.
Conclusion
The research demonstrates that Love Land is a promising tool for delivering comprehensive sexuality education through NGOs in South Africa. While technological and sociocultural barriers remain, the app’s innovative design and alignment with youthfocused goals position it as a scalable solution. Collaboration with NGOs, community leaders, and parents is essential to ensure its effective implementation and sustainability.
Introduction to the Research Findings
This study, conducted by Honours students Erin Hector and Waseem Omar under the supervision of Dr. Catherine Ward and Chelsea Coakley at the University of Cape Town, explored the feasibility of implementing Love Land, a gamified mobile application for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), within South African youth-oriented NGOs. Using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework, the researchers examined how Love Land could address barriers to traditional CSE delivery and its potential as a sustainable tool for youth empowerment. Interviews with 11 participants from 5 NGOs provided valuable insights into the challenges, opportunities, and impact of deploying Love Land in resource-limited settings.
Expanded Research Summary
The study revealed a strong demand for engaging, age-appropriate CSE that addresses knowledge gaps and reduces risky behaviors. Participants recognized Love Land’s potential to provide an accessible, interactive platform for educating youth about sexual and reproductive health, particularly in underserved communities. Feedback emphasized the app’s ability to foster safe spaces for learning and its alignment with NGOs’ goals to empower youth through innovative approaches.
Key Findings
Need for CSE:
• NGO staff consistently highlighted the critical importance of comprehensive, reliable education for youth. Quotes from participants emphasized the need to combat misinformation and provide early, age-appropriate education:
o A lot of children are starting to be sexually active at a very young age. It would help to start educating the children early.
o Our kids don’t know where to get reliable information. This app can change that.
Support for Love Land:
• Participants viewed Love Land as a tool for empowering young people and encouraging informed decisions:
o It breaks the taboo in a fun way.
o It can be like the parent who is able to communicate about sexual information.
• Barriers to Implementation:
o Technological: Limited access to smartphones and data was a common concern: Even if they have an old phone, they don’t have data.
o Sociocultural: Cultural taboos around discussing sexuality were noted: Some parents still think talking about sex will give kids ideas.
o Sustainability: Love Land’s flexible design was praised for its adaptability to various contexts and lesson plans.
Recommendations for Improvement
1. Expand the app’s language options to include all 11 official South African languages, enhancing accessibility.
2. Increase inclusivity by diversifying avatars and incorporating culturally relevant content.
3. Develop additional modules on critical topics such as gender-based violence, consent, and healthy relationships.
4. Introduce features like competitive team play and enhanced rewards systems to sustain engagement.
5. Collaborate with NGOs to conduct workshops for parents, fostering community buy-in and support
Participant Testimonials
Participant feedback showcased Love Land’s impact and relevance:
“
The app creates a safe space for kids to ask questions they wouldn’t otherwise.
“
This is exactly what we’ve needed to make CSE less daunting and more effective
“ Even as adults, we learned things we didn’t know. It’s never too late to learn.
Conclusion
The study highlights Love Land’s potential to revolutionize CSE in South Africa by leveraging gamification and technology. While challenges such as technological access and sociocultural resistance persist, these can be addressed through strategic collaboration and investment. By empowering NGOs with an adaptable, interactive tool, Love Land can significantly impact youth development and health outcomes, fostering informed and confident decision-making.