Exploring pastoral services available to persons with disabilities in Chilenje township, Lusaka, Zambia.
Date
2022
Authors
Chanda, Collins Chiselenga
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
This study explored pastoral services available to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Chilenje Township in Lusaka, Zambia. The objectives of the study were: to establish the pastoral services offered in the selected churches; to describe how pastoral counselling services are made available to PWDs; to identify challenges which are experienced when offering pastoral counselling services to PWDs; and to suggest ways of making available
pastoral services to PWDs. This study was informed by the social model of disability as the theoretical framework which argues that disability is a socially constructed phenomenon. The research design adopted was a case study. The sample size was 40 participants consisting of 15 pastors (priests) 15 PWDs and 10 pastoral care givers. The sampling techniques for this study assumed the form of purposive sampling and in this case typical case sampling procedure was employed. The researcher used interview schedules to collect data from participants. Data was analysed using thematic and content analysis. It was found that the following pastoral services were offered to PWDs; preaching and praying; visitation; marital
counselling; child dedication; baptising, confirmation, administering Holy Communion, confessions, funeral and bereavement counselling services. The study shows that through preaching, the pastors prohibits discrimination against PWDS. The study results have revealed that pastoral visitation is a veritable tool for strengthening family relationships. Through marital counselling, pastoral counselling enhances couple relationship. The study
results show that pastors in some churches are involved in child dedication. The study results revealed that pastors administer baptism and confirmation when they are satisfied that one is a fully committed member of the church. It was also learnt that pastors are responsible for
administering Holy Communion to members of the church. The study has identified the challenges faced by pastoral service providers dealing with PWDs which include lack of training by pastoral service providers, communication problems, limited shelter, accommodation or home-based care centres, lack of transport, disruption of church activities by PWDs and cultural diversity. The study explored the challenges which were faced by
PWDs when they are offered pastoral services and the following have been thematic areas: discrimination and segregation against PWDs; mobility challenge; social isolation; sexual abuse; non-availability of friendly infrastructure in church buildings and wheelchairs. In addition, hostile treatment; exclusion of PWDs from decision making; and lack of ecclesiastical braille books in churches. Based on the findings of the study, the following
recommendations are made: The churches should strongly prohibit discrimination against PWDs; The churches should try by all means to integrate PWDs into their services; The churches should arrange transport for PWDs for easy mobility; The church should work hand in hand with law enforcement agents to sensitise people so that instances of sexual abuse of PWDs can come to an end; The churches should restructure their buildings so that PWDs can easily access them.
Description
Thesis of the Degree of Master of Science in Counselling.