“A Child’s Playground”: Investigations into ARROW SA as a Dialogical Space of Learning and Development

This study examines the use of participatory communication with youth by exploring the possible influences of dialogue on learning within the setting of the South African branch of Art: A Resource for Reconciliation Over the World (ARROW). The research investigates the use of participatory communication, particularly the use of Freirean dialogue, and considers the potential impact of this communication on learning. Three inter-linking aspects of learning are examined, namely learning creative skills, learning about morals and values, and learning about oneself. The participants in the study are the Bechet High School participants who attend weekly ARROW SA sessions, as well as the facilitator of ARROW SA, Mary Lange. As an ARROW SA volunteer, I also draw on my own general observations to describe and analyse the use of participatory communication in the weekly sessions.