Applications called for Counsellors in National, Provincial Schools- MoE
View(s):The Ministry of Education (MoE) has called for applications for Counsellors, to be assigned to Provincial and National schools later this year, said Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam. He said their target is a Counsellor for every 300 students, and initially, they hope to recruit 2,300.
They will be recruited as teachers, under the cadre entitled to the MoE, so that, there will be no conflict with the Provincial Councils.
“The objective would be to provide students with counselling when required and Career Guidance to improve themselves,” Minister Kariyawasam said.
He said students will be able to obtain counselling services on issues confronting them in school such as difficulties in following certain subjects, fear of exams, low attendance, conflicts with staff members etc. He said that Counsellors can refer certain issues to other public authorities such as the police, through the Principal. These would include drug addiction.
Under Career Guidance, the students will be guided in the selection of subjects for GCE A/L as well on selecting jobs. The Counsellors will be provided a separate location within the school and will ensure confidentiality in their dealings with students. Minister Kariyawasam said the introduction of Counsellors will help reduce the number of dropouts from school. - Damith Wickremasekara