Causes Of Child Labour Among Learners With Mild Mental Retardation In Special Units In Igembe North District, Meru County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to establish causes of child labour (CL) among learners with mild mental retardation (LMMR) in special units in Igembe North, Meru County, Kenya. The study aimed to find out causes of CL among LMMR with the following objectives: To investigate the role of socio-economic status of the family in influencing LMMR to engage in CL, to investigate social cultural practices that influence involvement of LMMR in CL, to establish school practices that can predispose LMMR to CL and to establish whether lack of parental awareness on the causes of mental retardation (MR) drive LMMR into CL? The study employed descriptive survey design. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were applied in data collection. Data was collected on variables related to the role played by social economic status of the family, influence of social cultural practices, school practices and how lack of parental awareness influenced LMMR into CL. Data was obtained using questionnaires for head teachers and teachers, interview schedules for parents/guardians and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) for learners. The study applied purposeful sampling techniques to sample out respondents. Respondents were head teachers, teachers, parents/guardians and LMMR. A total of 82 respondents were interviewed, among them 7 head teachers, 9 teachers, 33 parents/guardians and 33 learners. A pilot study was carried out to help identify any weaknesses in the tools. Reliability of the instruments was established through comparison of consistence in the developed themes which was then triangulated to form justification. Data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively guided by research objectives. It was presented thematically with themes derived from research objectives. The data was analyzed, interpreted and presented using qualitative statements, expose tables frequencies and percentages. One of the major findings of the study was that LMMR were massively involved in pervasive CL. Poverty and social cultural beliefs were notorious in predisposing LMMR to CL. According to the study findings, this study concludes that LMMR were involved in CL hence, the study recommended that the government institute immediate, broad and inclusive strategies and policies to involve all stakeholders in instituting inclusive and sustainable strategies that can be used to curb CL among LMMR in Igembe north district. The broad measures may include advocacy campaigns, strengthening of professional capacity and provision of vital infrastructure in various institutions to counter the vice. The study recommended further investigations to be undertaken in another locale in Kenya to avail information on the magnitude LMMR involvement in CL. The study further recommended another study to be carried in the same locale to inform whether other categories of children with disabilities are involved in CL and yet another one to be carried to debunk social beliefs attitudes and myths involving children with MR and other children with disabilities.