The Effect of Social Assistance Programmes in Addressing the Challenges Faced by Families of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Chitungwiza District

Abstract

Social assistance, in the form of cash and in-kind transfers, is increasingly recognised by governments as an important component of poverty reduction and development. People with disabilities are identified as one of a number of groups targeted by the support. This study examined the effects of social assistance programmes in addressing the challenges faced by families of children with cerebral palsy in Zimbabwe. Existing literature was used as source of secondary data and questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to collect primary data in Chitungwiza District. Random sampling was used to select parents for administration of questionnaires and children for focus group discussions; stratified random sampling was used to divide parents for focus group discussions. 35 parents of children with cerebral palsy and 6 children with cerebral palsy aged between 6 and 12 years participated in the research. Existing social assistance programmes targeting children with cerebral palsy and their families include BEAM, AMTO, and Support for families in distress, support for children in difficult circumstance and maintenance of disabled person. The study demonstrates that even though assistances is inconsistent, social assistance has positive effects on the wellbeing of families, releasing pressure on household budgets and giving parents hope for their child’s survival by improving access to education and health services. It also gathers that social assistance must be part of a broader programme of support. Key recommendations include among others, enforcement and implementation of legislation and policies, involving people with disabilities in the design, implementation and evaluation of social assistance schemes and providing a full range of services needed by children with disabilities. The study suggests future surveys on prevalence of disabilities, the proportion of children receiving social assistance compared to other vulnerable groups and effectiveness of means testing in provision of social assistance for children with disabilities.