Exploring Adoption of Inclusive Home-Based Early Childhood Development and Learning in Marginalised Rural Communities in Zimbabwe
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
A journal of the Academic Research Centre (ARC)
Abstract
Zimbabwe adopted a policy for compulsory enrolment of 3 to 5 year-olds in ECD ‘A’ and ‘B’ grades in primary
schools. However, some eligible children are not attending these classes for reasons which include poverty,
disability and lack of special education needs constituting marginalisation. The current study sought to
evaluate community knowledge about inclusive home-based Early Childhood Development programmes,
assess rural communities’ attitudes towards the establishment of inclusive home-based ECD programmes
and identify practices that can be used to sustain inclusive home-based ECD programmes in selected rural
communities in Zaka and Bikita districts in Masvingo province. Data were collected from 60 purposively
sampled participants comprising 30 parents of children without known disabilities, 12 caregivers, six (6)
ECD teachers, and 12 parents of children living with disabilities. Data were analysed through thematic
content analysis. Findings showed that parents support the establishment of inclusive home-based ECD
centres to increase access and promote inclusion of children with disabilities and that parents have the will
and capacity to implement and sustain the centres. However, it was also apparent that communities need
capacity building on how to manage the centres. The research recommends the establishment of centres
that are managed by parents and supervised by ECD experts in local primary schools in the marginalised
areas. These centres need to be monitored and evaluated for standardisation. This model has the capacity
to increase access to ECD opportunities for children in marginalised areas and needs to be prioritised.
Description
Keywords
Early Childhood Development, Learning, Rural Communities
Citation
Nherera, C., Nhenga-Chakarisa, T., Houston, M., Machingura, F., Mugabe, P., Phaswana-Mafuya, N., ... & Ejuu, G. Published: 5 October 2022. https://doi.org/10.32476/fd64f97d-0d3e-48b0-9d73-220baf47ae77