The Right to Education of Children and Young People Living with Podoconiosis: the Case study in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
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Date
2015-04
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Ethiopia has a largest number of podoconiosis patients who are suffering from enormous
socioeconomic burden of the disease. Despite this fact, the issue of education of children
and young people living with the disease has given little attention. Stigma and
discrimination toward the patients coupled with disease related complications has denied
many patients enjoyment of the right to education. This paper dedicated to assess
realization of the right to education of children and young people living with
podoconiosis in Wolaita Zone. To this end, cross-sectional qualitative study is employed
to assess implementation of international and national commitments pertinent to the right
to education of children and young people living with podoconiosis. In-depth interview,
key informant interview and focus group discussions were employed as data gathering
tools. The primary source of data were children and young people living with
podoconiosis, school directors, parents or guardians of children and young patients,
concerned government body and NGOs. A total of 107 participants of the study were
selected using purposive and convenient sampling techniques. Secondary source of data
are government policy and legal documents, and annual reports regarding education
rights.
Finally, qualitative data collected, interpreted and analyzed. The core findings of the
study are; the study finds out that disease related illness and complications are the cause
of absenteeism, poor educational performance, repetition and complete drop-out of
school among students with the disease. In disease endemic areas of Wolaita Zone,
schools are not available, accessible, acceptable and adaptable to school-age children and
young people living with the disease. Apart from this, the study disclosed that
misconception about the disease among the school community, widespread stigma and
discrimination against patients; unfavorable school environment and financial constraints
are the major barriers to the enjoyment of the right to education by children and young
people living with podoconiosis. These led to the conclusion that, though there are
favorable policy and legal environment, it is far from being realized for children and
young people living with podoconiosis.
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Keywords
The Right to Health, Podoconiosis, Human Rights Instruments, Realization