An exploration of the Malawian perspective on children's everyday skills: implications for assessment

Purpose : The aim of this study was to consider Malawian concepts of psychosocial development in children and to draw implications for the devising of an instrument to measure everyday skills in children. Method: Key informant interviews, focus groups and other interviews, video tapes and observations of children were undertaken in a rural village in Malawi, with a focus on 4-5-year- olds. Results : A well adapted child of this age is expected to show first of all understanding of social responsibilities, with regards respect, obedience, cooperation, ability to socialize with other children, ability to carry out 'children's chores', to know people by names but more importantly how they are related to the child. The child should also show memory skills sufficient to carry messages. Such a child is described as intelligent/clever, characteristics important for survival. Conclusion : There are significant implications for the justification for the development of an instrument to measure everyday skills in African communities.