Browsing by Author "MATUKUTA, Talent"

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    Effect of Vocational Education on enhancing livelihoods for persons with disabilities at the National Vocational rehabilitation Centre (NVRC) in Ndola District of Zambia
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) MATUKUTA, Talent
    The study examined the effect of vocational education on the livelihood of persons with disabilities (PWDs) at the National Vocational rehabilitation Centre Ndola District in Zambia. To achieve this study objectives, a qualitative approach and a descriptive research design were used in order to have a complete and comprehensive examination of vocational education effect on livelihood improvement of persons with disabilities in at NVRC. The approach for obtaining data adopted the qualitative. The results were qualitative and so, it was subjected to qualitative analysis. The population of the study included administrators from the National Rehabilitation Centre, Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities under MCDSS the departments of Community Development, members of Organizations for persons with disabilities and vocational education graduates with disabilities. The graduates were drawn from within Ndola who had completed their tertiary education at NVRC. The results obtained showed that vocational training had a fundamental role to play in enhancing the inclusion, employability, and financial independence of the PWDs. The participants mentioned healthcare access, social support, and many job opportunities. Earning skills such as sewing, information technology, and other trades directly affected the overall quality of life. However, challenges of vocational education for persons with disabilities still persist, encompassing lack of awareness of vocational educational programs, inclusive infrastructure, and financial challenges leaving PWDs at a disadvantage due to logistical challenges, socio-cultural barriers, societal attitudes, and stigmatization. The findings today call for the necessity of common measure policies on inclusive access while developing resilience for PWDs in various vocational education programs. Recommending addressing the above highlighted challenges, ensuring the government of the Republic of Zambia looks into improving infrastructure, targeted funding for vocational education, training of instructors in special education, and collaborating and partnering with employers on giving job opportunities to persons with disabilities to enhance their livelihood potential in Ndola district. Keywords: vocational education, persons with disabilities, employability, social inclusion, financial independence, livelihood improvement.