Exploring The Involvement of Students with Disabilities in Students’ Leadership Activities in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania: A Case of University of Dar Es Salaam
Keywords:
Disabilities, Leadership , InvolvementAbstract
Many universities are struggling to ensure inclusion of students with disabilities especially in academic aspect, but apart from the inclusion in academic issues students with disabilities should also be engaged in leadership activities where they earn a lot of respect when leading others. However, despite this fact little is known about the situation of students with disabilities in involvement in students’ leadership and management activities especially in higher learning institutions. This paper explores the involvement of students with disabilities in leadership activities in higher learning institutions in Tanzania with the specific case study of University of Dar es Salaam. The study was done at the Mwl. Julius Kambarage Nyerere campus of the University of Dar es Salaam. The study employed the social model of disability (SMD) which emphasizes the change in the community perception of disability. A qualitative research approach was employed whereby a single case study design was established. The study applied the purposive sampling technique to obtain a sample of 40 participants. Data were collected through documentary review, interviews and focus group discussions then analysed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed low number of students with disabilities in leadership positions, in case of opportunities the study revealed the presence of equal opportunity though there was little involvement. Also, the study revealed high encouragement with much efforts to support their participation regardless of their situation. Lastly, students revealed the feelings of low satisfaction on the way they involve themselves in leadership activities. The study concluded that, despite equal opportunity for involvement, presence of much encouragement and effort to involve them, but still many of them do not involve themselves in contesting and becoming leaders. The study recommends for psycho-education programs to raise awareness of students with disabilities to get involved in leadership. Also, creating supportive environment for them to feel comfortable in involving themselves in leadership activities.
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