Parental Knowledge, Belief System and the Education of Mentally Retarded Children in Mekelle, Tigiray

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Date

2005-06

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Publisher

Addis Ababa University

Abstract

This Study focused on parental knowledge, belief and its effect on the educational participation of their mentally retarded children with the objective of finding the belief and knowledge of parents towards the educational participation of their Children's with mental retardation. In Ethiopia, where disability is Considered to be a shameful belief people with disabilities are marginalized and excluded from the society. Similarly children with mental retardation are often stigmatized, secluded and neglected in their families in particular and in the community in general They are simply kept away from schools. The major reason for their educational participation would be the wrong beliefs of parents and the community towards these mentally retarded children . Similarly lack OF knowledge about the cause of mental retardation and lack of understanding about the potential of children with mental retardation could be other possible reason of the wrong belief of parents. This being the case, the major objective of this study was to investigate the belief and knowledge of parents towards the education of their mentally retarded children in Mekelle town. The method used was a qualitative research approach using interview and semi- participant observation method. Six parents of children with mental retardation were included from the missionaries of charity ill Mekelle. The finding of the study showed that the parents have several wrong beliefs and misconceptions about the cause, treatment, nature and condition of mental retardation. The parents have given their own explanation about mental retardation based on their religions and cultural beliefs most of them have explained mental retardation as a kind of mental illness or disease. They further mentioned religious, cultural and supernatural attribution to the cause of mental retardation. Specifically, the parents explained that mental retardation is a work of the evil spirits, a curse from the ancestors, a punishment from God or bad luck and a will of god. Further more, what the parents have hoped as a "'cure" for their children's retardation seemed to be a reflection of their religious, cultural and traditional beliefs, The parents also reported that they have tried different ways as a means of treatment for their children"s retardation. more specifically they indicated "tsebel" (holy water) as a best means of treatment. The findings further showed that parents have no hope and expectations to their mentally children regarding their education. In regard to their feelings about having mentally retarded children they expressed feelings of shame and hopelessness. The study has recommended that focus should be given to awareness raising programmes. So that parents in particular and the society in general will become aware about training or education of the children. The primary and major step in any awareness raising program would be to change the wrong belief of the society in general and those of parents in particular. This awareness raising program is very important for the reason parents need information about the cause of mental retardation which will help them to raise their awareness and help their children to participate in training or education so that they can b elf supporting members of the society.

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Keywords

Education of Mentally Retarded Children in Mekelle, Tigiray

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