Children with disabilities are seldom listened to and are rarely able to express their feelings
and thoughts on sports and physical activities.
Aim
The aim of this study is, therefore, to explore the experiences children with disabilities in
Tanzania have while participating in physical activities at school.
The research questions
• What types of activities do they participate in?
• How are the children included in the participation?
• What health related experiences do these children with disabilities gain through
participating in physical activities at school and how are they manifested: socially,
physically and psychologically?
In the city of Morogoro, Tanzania there are several schools and centers which focus on
special needs and many children come from all over the country to receive basic education
and health services here. If they are registered at a school or center for rehabilitation they
have an opportunity to get involved in physical activity. However, the types of activities often
depend on the personnel at the institutions. Therefore, it is a suitable place to study the
experiences of children with disabilities and as they participate in physical activity.
Method
The study included observing the structural aspects of the physical activities and interviewing
the children and youth after they have participated in an activity.
Results and conclusion
The results from the three institutions in Morogoro, Tanzania suggested that these children
have an understanding of the social, physical and psychological benefits of physical activity.
They particularly stress the social implication i.e.; having friends. The findings also
demonstrate that the children enjoy physical activities greatly and would like to do it even a 1000 times. They also claim that they are very good at the activity and their disability does
not hinder their ability to participate in their daily routine of physical activity.
Improvements of listening to these children might evoke the interest to enhance the
accessibility to sporting arenas and physical activities for children with disabilities. This will
further their development and improve their chances of becoming an individual who believes
“I can do it!”