An investigation of the effectiveness of the communication strategies used by Zambia Federation of Disabilities Organization(ZAFOD) in promoting early childhood care and development education (ECCDE) of children with disabilities in Community Schools of Mongu District

Abstract

The study investigated the effectiveness of the communication strategies used by Zambia Federation of Disabilities Organisation in promoting Early Childhood Care and Development Education (ECCDE) of children with disabilities in community schools. The study was conducted in both community and government schools in Mongu District of western province. It seems that children with disabilities have been highly affected by the way they are perceived and treated by communities. Many children with disabilities seem to be denied access to education because of the negative attitudes of their communities, teachers and the education system based on lack of awareness and understanding of the disabled. Data was collected through questionnaires, in-depth interview, focus group discussions and analysis of documents. Qualitative data was analysed thematically through identification of themes that emerged from data. The statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 16.0) was used to generate descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages or tables. The study revealed that for children with disabilities to be effectively communicated to in Early Childhood Care and Development Education classes, there is need for a combination of communication strategies and channels such as television, radio, charts and other various print media but currently in all the schools surveyed, only print media was found. The researcher recommends the following; employment of more teachers especially those trained in special education so that they can also handle children with special needs, there is need for a combination of communication strategies and channels in ECCDE classes and more sensitisation to parents and communities on the importance of ECCDE to children with disabilities should be done.