Doctoral thesis
This study examined the experiences and perceptions of Young Carers of Visually
Impaired Adult Beggars in Dodoma, with a goal to understand their plight and suggest
more helpful practices in supporting their access to basic education. Through intensive
interviews the study captured the perceptions of various stakeholders including Young
Carers of Visually Impaired Adult Beggars' (YCVIAB s') family members, influential
community members, Visually Impaired Adult Beggars (VIABs) and Young Carers of
Visually Impaired Adult Beggars (YCVIABs) themselves.
A total sample for this study was 40 respondents obtained through purposive and
snowball sampling technique. Phenomenological case study design was employed to
understand the level of community member's awareness and perception of the plight,
facing YCVIABs and content analysis was employed, to analyze qualitative data.
The study found that the community members were aware of the existence of YCVIABs
and their perceptions of their plight were multifaceted with majority of them having a
negative perception about their experience. The study also found low level of support to
Young Carers of Visually Impaired Adult Beggars from the community and government
to access and participate in basic education. The level to which the policies on MVC in
Tanzania and ETP of 1995 protected and enhanced access to basic education for
YCVIABs was also low.
The study recommends that the government should influence community members
through media and trainings to support YCVIABs.