Abstract:
This study investigated how cartoon message interpretation on Covid-19 influenced learners
understanding and dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and to establish learners’ knowledge
of Covid-19 and exposure to Covid-19 cartoon messages. The study also sought to assess
how Covid-19 cartoon messages influenced learners’ perception towards observing Covid 19 protocols.
To investigate how cartoon message interpretation on Covid-19 influenced learners
understanding and dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, the research used the qualitative
approach. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed intending to get
information from 18 learners at Highlands Christian School. Data was collected through
focus group discussions and recorded with the aid of a mobile device to record primary data
as voice data and was transcribed data to verbatim. The researcher used a reductionist
approach in that only summaries of responses were put into text and tabulated making use
of the thematic analysis approach.
The study revealed that all learners were aware of Covid-19 and what it entails through the
word of mouth from parents and teachers at school, news, radio. Some leaners knowledge
was acquired through watching Covid-19 cartoon messages on Namibian Broadcast and
Corporation and YouTube channels. The majority of learners interpreted the cartoon
messages they watched as intended by the producer. They found the videos useful,
informative, interesting and educational. However, a smaller number of learners found the
videos to be repetitive and lack adequate information they need. The findings from the study
also revealed that Covid-19 cartoon messages influenced learners into changing their
perceptions about Covid-19 and observing Covid-19 protocol. As a result, the study then
recommended that the government of Namibia need to create effective, interesting,
engaging, age appropriate and culturally sensitive content that will be disseminated to all
urban and village learners. The cartoon videos should also be translated into several
languages.
