SOCIAL EXPERIENCES OF PUPILS WITH LOW VISION IN SELECTED REGULAR SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF LUSAKA AND MBALA DISTRICTS, ZAMBIA

Authors

  • Alice Kabwe Woodlands ‘A’ Secondary School, Zambia,
  • Joseph Mandyata Dr., University of Zambia, Zambia
  • Oswell C. Chakulimba Dr., University of Zambia, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejse.v0i0.3033

Keywords:

visual impairment, low vision, social experience, attitudes, regular school

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the social experiences of pupils with low vision in Lusaka and Mbala Districts in Zambia. The study used qualitative approach and case study research design. The sample size was 52 consisting: 16 pupils with low vision, 16 sighted pupils, 14 teachers, 2 head teachers and 4 heads of department. Purposive sampling techniques was used to select participants. Data from pupils was collected using focus group discussion guides, while data from head teachers, heads of departments and teachers was through use of interview guides. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study revealed that, the attitude of majority of teachers and sighted pupils, was negative in the two study districts. Pupils with low vision were not easily socially accepted either in rural or urban schools. The study further showed that, pupils with low vision were often; discriminated, teased and bullied in regular class and school settings, hence, finding it difficult to participate effectively in social activities. Additionally, teachers and sighted learners were of the view that pupils with low vision were, pretenders, while head teachers and heads of department, disagreed with this view. Interventions, schools had put in place to help improve social experiences of pupils with low vision in regular schools, ranged from: sensitization and advocacy; creation of positive social environment; modification of social activities in order ensure social acceptance of pupils with low vision. In view of these results, the study recommended that, the strengthening of sensitization and advocacy initiatives on social inclusion of pupils with Low vision in order to reduce stigmatization, discrimination, teasing and bullying practices was necessary in the study schools.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Alice Kabwe, Woodlands ‘A’ Secondary School, Zambia,
    Ms. Alice Kabwe is currently Head of Department for Guidance and Counselling at Woodlands 'A' Secondary School in Lusaka, Zambia. She holds a Master of Education in Special Education degree, Bachelor of Education in Special Education and Religious Education of the University of Zambia. In addition, she has a Diploma in Guidance and Counselling and a Certificate in Primary Education. Her research interests include: Guidance and Counselling, Special Education; Primary Education and School Improvement.
  • Joseph Mandyata, Dr., University of Zambia, Zambia

    Dr. Joseph Mandyata is a lecturer, researcher and currently Head, Department of Educational Psychology, Sociology and Special Education, School of Education, University of Zambia. He has researched, presented papers and published several articles in the field of special and inclusive education; guidance and counselling in local and international journals. He holds a PhD in Special Education, Master of Education in Special Education and a Bachelor of Arts with Education Degree from the University of Zambia. He lectures in special education; inclusive education and guidance and counselling at both postgraduate and undergraduate levels. His research interests are in: Policies and Management of Special and Inclusive education; Partnerships in Inclusive Education; Guidance and Counselling, Disability, Education and Poverty. Some of his works appear under ResearchGate as well as academia platforms.

  • Oswell C. Chakulimba, Dr., University of Zambia, Zambia

    Dr. Oswell C. Chakulimba is currently a Senior Lecturer and researcher in Sociology of Education, Department of Educational Psychology, Sociology and Special Education, School of Education, University of Zambia. He holds a PhD (Toronto), Ed. M (Harvard); BA Ed University of Zambia. He has researched, presented papers and published several articles in the field of sociology of education and related fields such as special education in local and international journals.

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Published

2020-04-26

Issue

Vol 5, No 4 (2020)

Section

Articles

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