Vocational rehabilitation in Zimbabwe: a socio-historical analysis

Issue title: International Rehabilitation

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Devlieger, Patrick J.^;

Affiliations: Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Associated Health Professions, 1640 West Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60608-6904, USA

Note: [] Tel.: + 1 312 4131647; fax: + 1 312 4132918; e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: This article reviews the social history of vocational rehabilitation in Zimbabwe as developments from the inside or the outside. The reviews take into account indigenous approaches to employment and occupation, missionary and colonial legacies, the post-colonial period, and examples of recent African developments as parts of the complex picture of vocational rehabilitation. Both inside and outside forces are marking the current situation. For consideration for further study and development are the impact of migration, the impact of colonial legacy, and the phenomenon of begging. The article concludes with raising the need of a platform to discuss vocational rehabilitation and disability issues related to Africa.

Keywords: Zimbabwe, Indigenous development, Missionary and colonial legacies, Independence, International aid, Informal sector, Migration, Begging

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1998-11105

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 21-31, 1998