Volume 2 Issue 2 of the Journal of Inclusive and Innovative Practices contains five articles.
The first article, by Nyunyutai Mudzingwa and Edwin Ndhlovu, sought to unravel challenges that inhibited transformative, quality, and meaningful education for learners with visual impairment in selected mainstream schools. The challenges that were identified include:
- Lack of ordinary and modern assistive devices
- Unavailability of reading materials in relevant formats
- Long distances to and from school
- Absence of trained personnel
- Negative attitudes from parents, staff members, peers, and some community members
The next article, by Jeriphanos Makaye, Loveness Museva, and Eunita Viriri, examined the engagement practices between universities and the communities. The study concluded that power differentials between the universities and the local communities result in no meaningful engagements to transform the livelihood of the people.
The article by Nomalanga Mpofu-Hamadziripi and Gamuchirai Tsitsi Ndamba established that whereas university lecturers benefitted from Professional Development programmes in the form of induction courses, some major weaknesses were identified. The authors recommend that the induction course content should be revised, and sufficient time given to cover the content, in order to enhance teaching quality.
Rabson Wuriga and Joel Marashe examined the Lemba’s claim as Black people and descendants of traders from Ancient Israel. The paper contends that when outsiders attempt to define the Lemba’s experience and existence as Black people in Africa with an origin linked to the Ancient Israelites, there is a certain gap in the knowledge of the existential consciousness and identity of the Lemba people.
The last article, by Phillimon Mahanya, focused on gender-based violence (GBV) against female students with disabilities in tertiary institutions. The study established that female students with disabilities are more vulnerable to all forms of violence as a result of their physical status, mental capabilities, and the over-dependency syndrome on their education and livelihoods. The author recommends awareness and sensitisation on GBV and human rights.