CTU calls for Govt. to appoint school counsellors
With schools scheduled to be reopened early next month and children preparing to attend school, many education unions highlighted the importance of recruiting educational counsellors to schools, due to the psychological problems that may have arisen from the emergency lock down period.
The Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) said it is time for the Government to hand out letters of appointment to the 410 selected candidates for the position of counsellors in schools.
CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said although it is nearly two years since applications were called and interviews held for the post the appointments had not been made.
Although, applications were called on July 20, 2018, exams were held on November 25, 2018 and personal interviews were conducted on April 25, 2019 the Education Ministry had failed to give them appointments, the Education Times learned.
“These are all graduates with diplomas in counselling awaiting their posting,” Mr Stalin said.
The CTU had written to the Ministry inquiring on the delay and recommending that this is a good time to recruit counselling personnel, as children who return to school may have many psychological issues due to the sudden impact of COVID-19 on their families. (cc)