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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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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Education of Mentally Retarded Children in Mekelle, Tigiray