Delinquency of the youth in rural Bisho : a pastoral challenge

Abstract

This exploratory study investigates the root causes of youth delinquency in rural Bisho, focusing on the complex interplay of social, educational, and environmental factors influencing adolescent behaviour. Youths in rural communities face challenges stemming from their interactions within schools, religious institutions, and the broader community, as well as from peer and adult relationships. Many young individuals join gangs to establish a shared identity or pursue specific objectives, often rooted in criminal or delinquent activities such as drug trafficking, substance abuse, and other unlawful behaviours. Understanding the underlying causes of youth delinquency is essential for designing effective interventions and operational resolutions to social problems. This research highlights key factors contributing to criminality among rural youth, with a particular focus on the socio-environmental context of Bisho, Kwatyutyu. Addressing this pastoral challenge requires collaboration among clergy, faith communities, and stakeholders, emphasizing their responsibility to nurture children as gifts from God. Delinquent behaviours, including truancy, drug use, violence, property crimes, and interactions with the criminal justice system, were analysed using regression models to assess their impact on educational and occupational outcomes. Findings reveal that youth delinquency significantly hinders educational attainment for both males and females, even after controlling for standard status attainment variables. Furthermore, while delinquency consistently affects male occupational outcomes, its impact on female occupational outcomes is comparatively weaker. The study underscores the importance of examining successful intervention programs from similar contexts to inform strategies aimed at mitigating youth delinquency in rural settings. Insights gained from the study, contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors shaping delinquent behaviour and inform policies aimed at fostering positive youth development.