Psychosocial support services for learners with social emotional difficulties in refugee settlements in Uganda: the case of Bidibidi settlement,Yumbe district

Abstract

The study examined the psychosocial support services provided to learners with social emotional difficulties in refugee camps in Uganda: The case of Bidibidi settlement, Yumbe district. The objectives of the study were to: assess the psychosocial support services that are provided, examine how the services are provided and establish the challenges experienced in the provision of the services to learners with social emotional difficulties. The study applied a case study design and a qualitative research approach. Respondents were head teachers, teachers, learners with social emotional difficulties and learners without social emotional difficulties. Semi- structured interview guides were used to obtain data from the above cited respondents. The findings revealed that psychosocial support services are provided to Learners with Social Emotional Difficulties although scanty and it is mainly done by Non-Governmental Organisations. These services are provided mainly through guidance and counselling, conducting group sessions, assigning the learners with responsibilities, engaging the learners in play activities and Music Dance Drama. Furthermore, the challenges experienced in provision of psychosocial support services include: lack of enough skills and knowledge by teachers, inadequate space where to establish child friendly spaces, inadequate funds to hire Psychosocial Social workers and purchase Psychosocial Support materials. And lastly, lack of interest of teachers. The study recommends that policies and guidelines on Psychosocial Support Service provision should be formulated and intervention of all the stakeholders should be enhanced.