Real People, Real Needs: Deaf Education in Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya

This thesis is a study into the lived educational experiences of selected individuals; administrators, teachers, Deaf students and community members, who are a large part of the Deaf education program in Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya. Currently, little is known about the experiences of Deaf refugees in a refugee camp. The objective of this thesis is to understand of the role(s) Deaf Units play in terms of opportunities and obstacles for those involved in the Deaf education community in the Dadaab refguee camp. This study focuses on qualitative data, collected through videotaped interviews with 65 participants to bring forth their experiences and perspectives. This study also links the school improvement change theoretical framework to help us better understand the opportunities and obstacles encountered by the involved stakeholders. Key factors affecting the opportunities and obstacles of the Deaf education program in a refugee camp are presented.