Impact of School Environment on Retention of Learners with Disabilities in Universal Primary Schools in Africa: A Review

¹Sarah Kyakimwa, ²Tukur Muhammad, ¹Gidraf Joseph Wanjala, ³Turyamureeba silaji and

⁴*Val Hyginus Udoka Eze

¹Department of Educational Management and Administration, Kampala International University, Uganda

²Department of Science Education, Kampala International University, Uganda

³Department of Education Foundation, Kampala International University, Uganda

⁴Department of Publication and Extension, Kampala International University, Uganda

*Corresponding Author: Val Hyginus Udoka Eze, udoka.eze@kiu.ac.ug, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka, Uganda (ORCID: 0000-0002-6764-1721)

ABSTRACT

This paper examined the relationship between the school environment and the retention of learners with disabilities in Universal Primary Schools in Africa. Despite education being a fundamental human right, learners with disabilities encounter barriers to accessing and staying in school. Through a systematic review of the literature, this study identifies factors within the school environment that affect retention. This paper investigated the Teacher Support and Retention of Learners with Disability, School Infrastructure and Retention of Learners with Disability, School Relationships and Retention of Learners with Disability, explored the possible research gaps, and finally wrapped it up with the important findings of the research. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve the school environment for learners with disabilities. Recommendations focus on inclusive policies, teacher training, infrastructure development, and community engagement. This review contributes to the discourse on inclusive education and provides a basis for future research and policy development in Africa and beyond.

Keywords: Inclusive Education, School Environment, Learners with Disabilities, Teacher Support, Retention Factors

CITE AS: Sarah Kyakimwa, Tukur Muhammad, Gidraf Joseph Wanjala, Turyamureeba silaji and Val Hyginus Udoka Eze (2024). Impact of School Environment on Retention of Learners with Disabilities in Universal Primary Schools in Africa: A Review. IDOSR JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES 10(1):16-22. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAH/2024/101162250