Student Engagement and Feedback with Love Land in a South African Context
Josi
Beare & Alicia Howe
Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town
Honours in Psychology
Supervisors: Dr Catherine Ward & Chelsea Coakley
26 October 2023
In collaboration with the University of Cape Town’s Honours Psychology students, a research study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of Love Land as a tool for delivering comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) to South African adolescents. This innovative mobile application combines interactive gameplay with evidence-based education, addressing key barriers in traditional CSE delivery.
The study involved 24 adolescents aged 13–17 from under-resourced communities in Cape Town, providing valuable insights into the app’s potential to educate, engage, and empower young people. Using gameplay observations and focus group discussions, the research explored how Love Land fills knowledge gaps, combats stigma, and creates a safe space for youth to learn about sensitive topics.
This summary highlights the key findings, practical applications, and areas for improvement, showcasing how Love Land aligns with its mission to enhance mental and sexual health education for adolescents.
A University of Cape Town study with 24 adolescents assessed Love Land's potential to address barriers in comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). The findings highlight Love Land as an engaging tool, particularly impactful for younger adolescents aged 12–15. It effectively fills knowledge gaps, combats misinformation, and facilitates learning in a fun, judgment-free way. Feedback emphasized its suitability for early adolescents, with suggestions for greater inclusivity in avatar customization and additional language options. Love Land shows promise for integrating technology into CSE for South Africa's underserved communities, making vital knowledge accessible and interactive.
Knowledge Gaps and Gains:
• Younger adolescents gained significant knowledge, while older adolescents appreciated the app's role in combating misinformation.
Engagement and Design:
• Love Land’s interactive format kept participants engaged; suggestions for customizable avatars and inclusivity were made.
Barriers and Challenges:
• Cultural appropriateness and potential caregiver resistance were identified as areas to address.
Age-Appropriateness:
• Most suitable for ages 12–15, aligned with puberty onset and foundational knowledge needs.
Impact on Gender Dynamics:
• Encouraged safe, gender-sensitive learning environments.
Conclusion
• The research indicates that Love Land is a valuable tool for enhancing comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in South Africa.
• With its engaging, interactive design, the app effectively bridges gaps left by traditional methods, making it particularly impactful for younger adolescents.
• By addressing barriers such as inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, Love Land has the potential to transform how CSE is delivered in underserved communities.
This study was conducted by Honours students Josi Beare and Alicia Howe under the supervision of Dr. Catherine Ward and Chelsea Coakley at the University of Cape Town. Their dedication and rigorous research have provided invaluable insights into the potential of Love Land to transform comprehensive sexuality education in South Africa.
The findings of this study demonstrate that Love Land has the potential to revolutionize comprehensive sexuality education for young people in underserved communities. With donor support, we can:
• Expand the app's inclusivity by incorporating customizable avatars and addressing diverse gender identities.
• Enhance accessibility by translating the app into additional languages spoken across South Africa.
• Improve distribution and integration into schools and NGOs, reaching more adolescents.
• Your contribution can help us bridge critical knowledge gaps, combat misinformation, and provide a safe, engaging space for young people to learn about mental and sexual health.
• Together, we can empower the next generation.
Participant feedback highlighted Love Land’s unique approach to addressing sensitive topics. Here are a few standout quotes:
“'I liked learning about menstruation. None of the girls explained it to me before.
Boy, age 13
“I didn’t know why I was bleeding when I got my period, but now I understand
Girl, age 14
“The app helped me understand things I was too shy to ask about.
Boy, age 13
“'It’s nice working with others who understand what we are going through without embarrassment.
Girl, age 15
These testimonials underscore the app’s ability to break down taboos, encourage open dialogue, and create a safe learning environment for adolescents.
By addressing gaps in traditional sexuality education, Love Land aims to:
• Equip young people with accurate, comprehensive knowledge to make informed decisions.
• Reduce risky sexual behaviors and improve adolescent health outcomes.
• Foster inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in educational content.
• Empower educators and NGOs with a versatile tool to complement existing programs.
Financial support will be instrumental in achieving these outcomes and scaling Love Land’s impact to benefit even more young people.