EXPLORING CHILD PROTECTION MEASURES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS IN ZAMBIA

Abstract

The study sought to explore child protection measures on bullying, discrimination and neglect in selected special education schools. Constructivist/Interpretive paradigm and qualitative intrinsic case study design were employed because the case study outcomes were solely about the learner with disability’s experiences and specials education school was of primary interest in the study. The sample size comprised of 38 participants and purposive critical case sampling was used to select 2 head teachers, expert sampling was used on 12 teachers and criterion sampling was used to select 12 learners and 12 parents. Data collection from head teachers and teachers used semi-structured interview guide and from learners and parents focus group discussion was used and data were analysed thematically. Learners with disabilities were protected from bullying using the 3R’s bullying prevention strategies; recognising, responding and reporting strategies. Then, safety strategies, punishment strategies and prevention strategies were used to protect learners with disabilities discrimination in schools. Also, learners with disabilities were protected from neglect using material support strategies, social and emotional support and professional development strategies in selected special education schools. These strategies enable to protect children with disabilities from bullying, discrimination and neglect in selected special education schools. The study recommends that for the schools to ensure child protection from bullying, discrimination and neglect should develop and implement child protection policy (rules and regulations), ensure professional development training among member of staff on child protection measures taken when recognizing and responding to bullying, discrimination and neglect in schools.