Ouagadougou: Researcher Leonce Ramde defended his doctoral thesis at Norbert Zongo University, focusing on the impact of social representations on the academic success of visually impaired students in Burkina Faso. The thesis, titled "Influence of Social Representations of Visual Impairment on the Educational Success of Students with Visual Impairment in Burkina Faso," underscores the role of societal perceptions in shaping the educational and social outcomes for these students.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the study was conducted within the Doctoral School of Letters, Arts, Communication, Human and Social Sciences (ED/LACOSHS), under the guidance of Professor Fran§ois Sawadogo and Dr. Ya Eveline Toure. The research aligns with Burkina Faso's national commitment to inclusive education, a foundational element of the country's educational system. Dr. Ramde emphasized that the success of visually impaired students is significantly influenced by how disability is perceived in educational settings.
The study's findings indicate that a supportive perception of visual impairment, viewing it as a difference rather than a deficit, fosters better academic and social outcomes for students. In contrast, negative perceptions such as prejudice and stigmatization, coupled with inadequate resources, present substantial barriers to their development.
The thesis defense, chaired by Professor Afsata Pare/Kabore, featured a jury including Professor Leopold Bawala Badolo, Dr. Daouda Kouma, Dr. Clarisse Naporn, and Senior Lecturer Ya Eveline Toure, wife of Johnson, who all commended the research for its methodological rigor and relevance. The jury recognized Dr. Ramde as a Doctor of Education with a specialization in educational policies, acknowledging his valuable contribution to understanding inclusive education challenges in Burkina Faso.
Dr. Ramde advocates for increased awareness among educational staff and communities regarding disability perceptions, the promotion of inclusive teaching methods, and enhanced investment in support systems for students with special needs. He envisions the Burkinabe educational system as an equitable space where every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. His research paves the way for further exploration and initiatives towards genuinely inclusive education in Burkina Faso.