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

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 andobservation schedules were used as instruments for data collection. The study resultsshowed 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.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

The Open University of Tanzania

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Ngonyani, Devota Y.

• 370 Education

Language dc:language

en