Lived Experiences of Children with Disabilities as They Try Accessing Inclusive Education in Emergency/Refugee Communities, Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Southwestern Uganda

Alex Magezi, Atuhumuze Faith

Abstract


Purpose: This study sought to understand and bridge the research gap on the lived experiences of Children with Disabilities (CWD) in Kyaka II refugee settlement as they seek inclusive education. Also, the study accessed the inclusivity of the settlement’s schools. Methods: Key informant interviews were used to collect data from 36 respondents across the settlement. These included CWD (n=9), parents of CWD (n=14), local leaders/ Refugee Welfare Committee (RWC) (n=7), and head teachers (n=6). Observations were also conducted on the settlement’s Primary schools. Findings: This study revealed: (1) majority of the CWD are not schooling; (2)majority of the  CWD live in single and yet female-headed families ; (3) CWD still support domestic work; (4) CWD also have games they enjoy playing; (5) families with CWD are mainly faced with stigma/ discrimination, abuse (physical and emotional) and increased expenses ; (6) in the community and schools CWD are mainly faced with stigma/ discrimination, abuse (physical &emotional), movement difficulties, distress, writing difficulties and difficult in accessing some school structures; (7) schools in the settlement are not fully inclusive. Conclusion: This study is insightful to the policymakers, funders and organisations responding to disability inclusion and inclusive education, also, more funding is recommended. 


Keywords


Disability Inclusion, Inclusive education, Emergencies, Refugee communities, Kyaka II Refugee Settlement

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References


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ISSN: 2454-6623