Participation of young people with special needs in school based musical performances in selected primary schools in Mukono district, Uganda

Abstract

This study intended to find out the nature of participation of young persons with special needs in music activities that take place in primary school contexts. It was motivated by the apparently low levels of participation by the young people with special needs in school-based musical performances. The objectives of the study were to establish the nature of musical engagements, establish the level of participation and factors responsible for the levels of participation and to find out the implications of the participation in school-based music programs to YPwSNs in selected primary schools of Mukono district. The study was qualitative in nature. Data in form of interviews, Participant observation, written documents, audio and visual recording was collected and analyzed in order to phenomena of participation by YPwSNs in school-based music performances. Thus, findings of the study were made. Findings revealed that young people with special needs are capacitated to participate in community music practices especially in school contexts. The young people have the ability to participate in school-based music activities regardless of the impairments. They can participate in singing, dancing, acting, playing instruments, poetry and other musical performances. It was recommended that in order to nurture the young people with special needs’ capacity to participate in school-based music activities, the government, teachers, care givers and the community should encourage, create a conducive atmosphere and support the participation of young people with special needs in school-based music activities.