Opportunities and constraints for inclusive education among refugee children with disabilities in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement

Abstract

This RESEARCH report :” Opportunities and Constraints for inclusive education among refugee children with disabilities in Kiryandongo refugee settlement” largely focused on highlighting the available opportunities that Refugee children with disabilities benefit from in inclusive educational setting; explored the provision of support services that facilitate inclusive education in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement and examined the constraints that limit refugee children with disabilities from accessing quality inclusive education in Kiryandongo Refugee settlement. Literature was obtained from Books, organisations’ reports, newspapers, journals and articles. The research used a case study design following a qualitative approach. Qualitative data was mainly descriptive and explanatory. The study interviewed 34 refugee children with disabilities, 21 parents of children with disabilities, 5 teachers and 1 relief/service providers as respondents. Data was collected using in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The study findings concluded that Kiryandongo Refugee settlement schools do not provide inclusive Education to refugee children with severe disabilities. They were taken to Masindi district in special schools and only those with mild disabilities accessed education and there are lack of parental support, lack of resources and high levels of poverty, lack of specialized equipment and inadequate trained teachers and insufficient physical facilities including play grounds Walkways and water points were some of the obstacles that made access to education difficult for refugee children with disabilities. Findings from this study may inform and advocate to the Ministry of Education to work in collaboration with UN agencies such as UNHCR, UNICEF and UNESCO in supporting inclusive education programs in refugee settlements. Findings and recommendations may also be useful to local and international organisations of people with disabilities, mainstream international and local civil society organisations Hence forth, they will not rely on personal experiences or objectives, but base their decisions and actions on knowledge of this research findings. Findings may be an eye opener for refugee children with disabilities to build resilience and understand that education is a liberating tool from the power of Ignorance, discrimination and dependency.