Exploring child protection measures on bullying, discrimination and neglect for learners with disabilities in selected special education primary schools in Luapula province, Zambia.

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Date
2024
Authors
Chisala, Moses
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The University of Zambia
Abstract
The study sought to explore child protection measures on bullying, discrimination and neglect in selected primary special education schools in Luapula province. Constructivist/Interpretive paradigm and qualitative intrinsic case study design were employed because the case study outcomes were intended to provide insights to the researcher about experiences of learners with disabilities about protection measures on bullying, discrimination and neglect in the selected primary special education schools. The sample size comprised of 38 participants. Purposive critical case sampling was used to select the two head teachers, expert sampling was used on 12 teachers and criterion sampling was used to select 12 learners and 12 parents. Data from head teachers and teachers from semi-structured interview guide and from learners and parents used Focus Group Discussions Guide (FGD) and data collected were analysed thematically. The study revealed that learners with disabilities were protected from bullying using the 3R’s bullying prevention strategies; recognising, responding and reporting strategies. Then, safety, disciplinary and prevention measures were used to address incidents of discrimination in Special education schools. The study also showed that in case of neglect in selected special education school, material support, social and emotional support and capacity building measures were provided. These strategies helped to address bullying, discrimination and neglect against learners with disabilities in selected special education schools. Based on these findings, the study recommends for the school to have rules and regulation (policy), and provide up-to-date professional development training needed among teachers, parents and learners with disabilities in schools for the purpose of identifying, reporting and addressing all forms of direct or indirect bullying, discrimination and neglect among learners with disabilities in school
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Thesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Special Education
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