Beliefs and Practices of the Nuer Community towards People with Disabilities in Lare Woreda, Gambela Region
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Date
2024-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study was conducted in the Nuer community in Lare woreda, Gambella region on “Beliefs and Practices of the Nuer Community towards “people with disabilities”. The main objective of this study was to explore the traditional beliefs and practices of the Nuer Community towards “people with disability” in Gambella Region, Lare Woreda. The study has used qualitative methods with purposive techniques to collect relevant data. The tools used for data collection were semi-structured and unstructured interviews with open-ended questions. Study respondents were 36 (M = 31, F = 5), based on social group 4 kebele administrative leaders, 4 community elders, 6 religious leaders, 10 people with disabilities, 10 youth without disabilities, and 2 health professionals. Results obtained from respondents on traditional beliefs about the causes of both born with and without disability have fallen under three major sources of beliefs about disability in general: Eighteen respondents on the term “disability” said, “There is “No” one word or term that directly translates to the term “disability” in Nuer language. And The term disability from the other participants, if it is translated into the Nuer language, means “lack of ability or capacity." Study results (findings) have been analyzed using descriptive/narrative methods. In general, study results have shown that traditional beliefs about the causes of disabilities are still predominant in the Nuer community. Though explanations on the causes of disability differ considerably, the results indicated that the Nuer community believes “disability is created (caused) by the “God of Heaven.” And useful and harful practices about Nuer community toward people with disability. Therefore, The regional government should promote the rights of persons with disabilities based on their choices and their interests to ensure human rights, dignity, and inclusivity. Emphasize the importance of equal opportunities, access to education, healthcare, and employment for all individuals, including people with disabilities and the researcher was interested in studying the Nuer nationality (tribe), in Gambela region Lare woreda to examine the beliefs and practices of the Nuer community towards people with disabilities”.
Keywords: Beliefs and Practices, Useful and Harmful, people with disabilities
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Keywords
Beliefs and Practices, Useful and Harmful, people with disabilities