Counselling services for schoolchildren to commence Jan. 2018
View(s):The introduction of Counselling services in schools will be implemented from January next year, to improve the quality of the mental health of the students.
“The Ministry of Education (MoE) intends to have 3,000 suitably qualified teachers to conduct counselling services for students,” an official said. The recruitment of teachers will take place in the next few months, with priority given to those with qualifications in counselling, and given relevant training
The move follows revelations that more than 3,850 students have dropped out or schools, with some of them citing harassment by fellow students and finding it difficult to cope with the pressure.
A Ministry official said that, initially, the service will be available for schools which have more than 300 students and for students from Grade 6 to GCE (A/L).
He said information could be provided to the MoE if there were children who have dropped out of school, so that the MoE could intervene and ensure the student continues his/her education.
Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said students as well as teachers could benefit from these counselling services.
“Even teachers go through stressful situations and could make use of the services,” he said. “In developed countries these services are effectively used. We too are trying to improve the situation,” he added. - Damith Wickremasekara