Giftedness and juvenile delinquency: a case of selected rehabilitation schools in Kenya
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Date
2014
Authors
Kinyua, M.
Kamau-Kangethe, R. W.
Oube, N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nairobi Academic Press
Abstract
Studies on the nature and characteristics of children who are gifted and talented show that
these children are inquisitive in nature. Their curiosity may lead to rejection by family members,
teachers, peers and society as a whole. Feeling frustrated and different from their peers, these
children may rebel in school, home or in the society and end up being labeled delinquents.
In Kenya, juvenile delinquents are referred to Rehabilitation Schools and Children Remand
Homes as stipulated in 2001 Children's Act. The purpose of this study was to explore giftedness
among learners with juvenile delinquency in selected rehabilitation schools in Kenya. The
study population comprised of teachers, social workers and children in Rehabilitation Schools
in Kenya. Random sampling was used to select three Rehabilitation Schools; two for boys and
one for girls representing 33.3% of the rehabilitation schools in Kenya. Both qualitative and
quantitative data was collected and analyzed. All learners in the selected schools participated in
the study. The study utilized Ravens Progressive Matrices, teachers and peer nomination forms
and Observation Checklists to identify children who are gifted. Children's committal records
were also analyzed. The study revealed that about 13% of children in the rehabilitation schools
are gifted and talented. If this population is not well taken care of the Kenyan society may
end up losing a very important human resource. There is need therefore to sensitize different
stakeholders on the nature and needs of children who are gifted and talented.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Children who are gifted and talented, Giftedness, Juvenile Delinquency, Rehabilitation School
Citation
Journal of Special Needs and Disabilities Studies Vol.1 No.2 July 2014