Perspectives of Rehabilitation Professionals on Western-Based Juvenile Rehabilitation Models in Eswatini’s Juvenile Correctional Center

This study explores the perspectives of rehabilitation professionals on Western-based juvenile rehabilitation models in Eswatini’s correctional centers. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with rehabilitation professionals to gather their insights on the effectiveness, cultural relevance, and challenges associated with implementing Western-based models in the local context. A total of 14 participants took part in the initial stage of the study, which involved two focus group discussions (FGD 1 and FGD 2). Following the focus group discussions, in-depth interviews were conducted with 5 purposively selected participants (P1-P5). Six key themes emerged for the collected data: current rehabilitation models being used in Eswatini; classification of rehabilitation models; strengths and limitations of Western based models; cultural relevance of rehabilitation models; integration of indigenous practices and challenges encountered in the implementation of the rehabilitation models. The main argument pursued lies within the two theories post-colonial theory and the African psychology theory which view Western based models’ dominance as the perpetuation western hegemony at the expense indigenous approaches. Researchers proposed four recommendations based on their findings: develop hybrid models, enhance training, allocate resources and engage communities.