Thesis:

Impact of Social Inclusion Strategies on Community Development through Inclusive Education: A Case Study Of Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County, Kenya.

The educational environment in Kakuma Refugee Camp poses unique challenges, especially regarding inclusive education. Despite commitments to inclusion, barriers persist, such as limited infrastructure for children with disabilities, insufficient teacher training on inclusive practices, and cultural beliefs that foster exclusion. In refugee settings like Kakuma, where populations are transient and diverse, adaptable educational strategies are essential. This study investigates the role of social inclusion strategies in addressing these challenges to enhance community development through increased educational participation for historically marginalized groups. Community involvement is critical, as it helps identify local educational issues and develop strategies to address barriers that hinder access, retention, and quality. Inclusive education is viewed here as a process of responding to the diverse needs of all students, increasing their participation in education, culture, and society, and reducing exclusion. The study’s objectives were to assess the influence of community participation, training strategies, and community leadership on community development. A descriptive research design was used to examine associations among the key variables. The target population included 220 individuals from school management, community leaders, teachers, educational officials, and parents of children with disabilities. A sample of 67 respondents (30% of the population) was selected using stratified and purposive sampling. Data collection relied on structured questionnaires and interview guides. Validity was ensured through expert feedback, while reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha, with coefficients above 0.7 deemed acceptable. Quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS version 24, employing Pearson’s correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression to establish relationships among variables. The study found that social inclusion strategies significantly influenced community development within Kakuma’s inclusive education schools. Specifically, community leadership had the strongest positive impact on community development, followed by training strategies, with community participation also showing a notable influence. To further support inclusive education in Kakuma, the study recommends recognizing the camp's linguistic diversity by providing instruction in multiple languages and bilingual teaching materials where needed. Establishing special education programs for students with disabilities, along with the resources and assistive technologies necessary to support them, is crucial. Additionally, offering psychosocial support services, such as counseling, art therapy, and peer support, would help address the trauma and emotional challenges faced by many refugees