The utility of coping strategies employed by mothers of children with disabilities (MCwDs) in Torwood, Redcliff, Zimbabwe: Implications on development work

Abstract

This paper sought to examine the utility of the coping strategies employed by mothers in providing care to their children with disabilities. Data were gathered using the Ubuntu research approach through dialogue and the dare or indaba with twelve mothers from a local support group in Torwood community. In-situ primary analysis was utilised as data collection was in progress. Guided by the African strengths’ theory, the study demonstrated the valuable nature of the coping strategies utilised in caregiving tasks including, selling, locking up children in the houses, acceptance and preparedness, spiritual beliefs, hope and support group in raising their children with disabilities. Evidence also revealed that the strengths of the mothers rested upon a support group, hiding from intimidating environments, support from the church and belief in faith healing. The study concludes that despite the negative experience encountered in caregiving, mothers recounted the significance of their strengths and coping mechanisms in ensuring smooth caregiving of their children with disabilities. The study then proffers a number of recommendations and some of them are Associations like the Zimbabwe Parents of the Handicapped Children Association and other advocacy groups should be involved in establishing and running more support groups in working with the mothers of children with disabilities. Development work of assisting children living with disabilities should be treated as a significant field when professionals such as social workers are being trained. This will ensure that social workers have a total understanding of the negative experiences of caregivers in their caregiving task and the role that social workers have to play in alleviating the burden of caregivers to improve the quality of care for the children with disabilities.

How to cite this article using ASWDNet style

Munemo, W. & Mwapaura, K. (2024). The utility of coping strategies employed by mothers of children with disabilities (MCwDs) in Torwood, Redcliff, Zimbabwe: Implications on development work. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 9(1), 1-10. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v9i1.1

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