Implementation Challenges and Impact of Inclusive Education in Primary Schools in Uganda

Abstract

The study aims at investigating the implementation challenges of inclusive education in primary schools in Kole District, Uganda. The objectives included to establish challenges affecting the implementation of inclusive education and to examine the impact of inclusive education on children with hearing impairment in Wigwa Primary School, Aboke Sub-County. The study used a qualitative approach and a case research design was employed along with semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions adopted to collect data. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The results of the study revealed a lack of educational learning materials due to material delivery issues and negative attitudes towards children with hearing impairment were major issues. On school-related factors, lack of skilled teachers in sign language, improper curriculum design and teaching styles were concerns, and family-related factors of poverty scourge and lack of parental support on the provision of scholastic materials. On the socio-cultural related factors, still, negative attitudes towards CWHIs were the major issue, as low self-esteem in the community and communal isolation. According to the study, the impact of implementing inclusive education includes; poor academic performance, underdevelopment of language communication skills, development of anti-social behaviors, school dropouts and absenteeism of CWHI, low self-esteem, and poor concentration of CWHI in inclusive education settings. The study concluded that there are several implementation challenges to inclusive education in primary schools in Kole District, Uganda. Based on the findings, the study recommends the following; school policy implementations by MoES, improve household income by the government, increased numbers of trained teachers on special needs education, sensitization of the community, teachers, school administration, and peers, provision of hearing aids for children and provision of learning environment that is welcoming and friendly for learning.