An assessment of the Local Government Support to Children with Mental and Hearing Disabilities in Songea Municipality Primary Schools

Ngonyani, Devota Yordan (2014) An assessment of the Local Government Support to Children with Mental and Hearing Disabilities in Songea Municipality Primary Schools. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The study investigated the Local Government’s support to children with mental and hearing disabilities in Songea Municipality Primary Schools in Tanzania. Specifically, it explored the type of support received by the children, examined the needs of the children enrolled in primary schools and assessed stakeholder’s views on the Local Government’s support to primary children with disabilities. Qualitative research approaches were employed. The sample comprised 268 respondents involving school heads, academic coordinators; unit specialists which coordinate Special needs education, teachers, parents, children with hearing and mental disabilities. Questionnaires, interview guides and observation schedules were used as instruments for data collection. The study results showed that the Local Government supports both public and private special needs primary schools. The support include, employing and paying salary for teachers, providing funds for food and transport as well as teaching and learning devices. It was also found that children need health services, life skills training and friendly environment for learning. The study concludes that the role of Local Government in educating parents on the rights of every child to receive primary education is highly needed. It is recommended that MOEVT in collaboration with the Local Government authorities should review the primary school curriculum and make sure that every Tanzanian child receives primary education and appropriate life skills training.

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