Opportunities and challenges of implementing inclusive education in some private primary schools in Kampala District

Abstract

In Uganda, for the last two decades, there has been increased participation of the private sector in the provision of education, and also a public push for education, of the people with disabilities. The above, followed a declaration made at the World Conference on Education for All (EFA) in Jomtien, Thailand in 1990. The Government of Uganda therefore has taken Education For All quite seriously, by paying attention to the learning needs of children with disability, as an integral part of all education systems. Given the fact that the private sector believes in minimum input, yet expects maximum output, Special Needs Education, which is education for Children With Disabilities (CWDs), is quite expensive and this remains a challenge. The study is entitled “Opportunities and Challenges of Implementing Inclusive Education in Private Primary Schools in Kampala District”. The study aimed at finding out the experiences of CWDs in an inclusive setting and the management of these classes by the teachers. The researcher employed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, using interviews, questionnaires and observation as the main techniques of data collection, while documentary sources were used to supplement data that was collected. The findings of the study indicate that more CWDs—the ones with mild disabilities—have got a chance to be enrolled in school. The findings also show that a lot more needs to be put in place by the proprietors of these schools to make the learning environment more conducive. There is need for follow-up on the policy, if it is to be well-effected in all private primary schools. The researcher concluded that lack of adequate knowledge on the needs and provisions for CWDs, creates difficulties in implementation and recommends the development of cooperative and supportive partnership between the policy makers and implementers for the good of CWDs and the nation at large.