Challenges Faced by Learners with Partial Hearing Impairment in Lubombo Mainstream High Schools: A Wellness Perspective

This study sought to explore the challenges faced by learners with partial hearing impairment (LWPHI) in Lubombo mainstream high schools. The study used a social constructivism research paradigm and a qualitative research method. A phenomenological research design was utilised to find out how mainstream high school environment can handicap the LWPHI from reaching the vital and most cherished goal of independent living. Participants in the study were selected using purposive criterion sampling and they were 14 (n=14) in total. The data collection process entailed utilisation of individual semi-structured interviews and conducting of non-participant observation. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggest that restrictive school environment robbed LWPHI equalized opportunities for meaningful participation in educational activities. Hence, modified instructional strategies and social environment are pertinent if the education sector really needs to combat academic discrepancies between the ‘normal’ and the LWPHI. Keywords: hearing impairment, inclusive education, learners, mainstream schools. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-27-05 Publication date:September 30th 201

Effects of Parental Involvement in Academic Wellness of Primary School Learners in the Lubombo Region, Eswatini

This study sought to determine the effects of parental involvement on the academic performance of primary school learners in rural schools in the Lubombo region of Eswatini. The study employed a mixed method approach and the concurrent triangulation design was used. The study was guided by the ecological systems theory by Bronfenbrunner and wellness theory by Hettler. The findings revealed that education was a shared responsibility between the parents/ guardians and the school and most of the parents and guardians showed very little interest in their children’s learning. The majority of the learners did not stay with their biological parents and it affected their performance at school. The study recommended that the school should engage all parents and prompt them on the importance of parental involvement by creating plenty of opportunities for parents to be actively engaged through parent/school meetings, prize giving days, homework among other things. Moreover, it was recommended that parents and communities should be helped to better appreciate the value and benefits of education to their children. Keywords: social factors, academic achievement, disadvantaged children, rural schools DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/51-05 Publication date:September 30th 201

Enhancing A Holistic Wellness Among Female Students at a University in Eswatini Through Relevant Intervention Strategies for Support

The study sought to explore relevant intervention strategies for addressing academic, personal, social, and career needs for female students at a university in Eswatini with a view to enhance a holistic wellness of students. A qualitative approach using a single case study design was used to collect data from twenty-two students who were purposively selected from three faculties of this university including two counselors. Data were collected using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that female students needed intervention strategies such as guidance and counselling, robust orientation services, cultivation of harmonious interactions, spiritual support, and physical support in the university to address their needs. The study recommended that the university should match quantitative growth with qualitative support by enhancing holistic wellness of female students in the institution. Keywords: wellness, female, strategy, Eswatini, students, DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-18-11 Publication date:September 30th 201

Graduate Employment Challenges in Zimbabwe: A Case of Zimbabwe Open University Graduates

Zimbabwe Open University has churned a very high percentage of graduates since its inception in 1994 through its Distance and Open learning Programmes. This has encouraged many people to continue to study at their own pace. Given the depressed and shrinking nature of the Zimbabwean labour market from 1999-2011, the institution has thus produced more graduates than can be absorbed by Zimbabwe’s labour market since not all of the graduates find employment in their respective fields of qualifications. This study adopted a mixed methods approach utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analyses procedures. Its goal was to establish the extent to which graduates from the Open University find employment in their fields of specialization. The study revealed that many graduates who undertook studies anticipating employment in their field of specialization are failing to do so as most of the employers are hesitant to employ people who are highly qualified, when the economy is shrinking and undergoing a depression. As a consequence, some of the graduates end up taking up any jobs that they can find, while others have emigrated to the Diaspora to seek employment. The study thus recommends a link between degree programmes and the labour market situation obtaining in the economy so as to avoid a mismatch between the two. It also recommends a needs assessment programme bythe universities and employers in a bid to synchronize programmes offered by the universities with the labour market. Keywords: Graduate unemployment, Open University, Labour Market, economic depression

Perceptions of Teachers on Wellness of Learners Living with Physical Disabilities in Upper Primary Schools in the Hhohho Region of Eswatini

The purpose of the study was to explore perceptions of teachers regarding the wellness of learners living with physical disabilities in upper primary schools in the Hhohho region of Eswatini. This study used the Wellness Theory by Hettler (1980) as its theoretical framework. The study was qualitative in its approach and it used a descriptive case study design. Through a purposive sampling, a total of 25 participants were selected, and these included 20 learners living with physical disabilities, two administrators, and three teachers. Both semi-structured interview guide and focus group discussions were used for data collection. Data from findings was thematically analyzed by scrutinizing it from commonalities. The findings revealed that the teachers at the school did not have adequate training to enable them to fully assist these learners and there was lack of social wellness among the learners who felt stigmatized just because they lived with disabilities. The study recommends that the government should mandate all teacher training institutions in the country to include a module on Inclusive Education as a core module that must be taken by all educators. Keywords: Case study, disabilities, Focus Group, perception, wellness, DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-18-12 Publication date:September 30th 201