Need for counsellors in every school

THE EDITOR: No longer can we stand by and watch the decline that is rapidly increasing in our country. We are losing our children. The powers that be, continue to plan, in a vacuum, strategies and programmes that are ill-suited to the needs of our children. Teachers experience the real-life situations and as such we must voice our concerns. To remain oblivious to these problems is an injustice and then we must hold ourselves responsible for the deterioration of our youth. I am calling on TTUTA, a competent authority, one that can effect meaningful changes. There must be counsellors in every school in the country — it is imperative that TTUTA initiate this now!

At present, the Guidance Services appear to be incapable of addressing the needs of our student population. In the short term, drastic measures must be instituted. In-service training in guidance and counselling must be embarked upon in much the same way as courses are done in various subject areas. At least one teacher from each school can be involved in the programme thereby making an impact on the existing situation in the particular school. Unless the social problems our students encounter are effectively dealt with, students will not be able to respond to instructions and as such will not be able to assimilate what is being taught.

I am advocating that counselling begins at Nursery schools, pre-primary level. Several of our young children, many of whom are not quite ready, are thrust into this environment not always being able to make an easy transition, thereby creating more confusing issues in the minds of some who are already experiencing serious social problems. Education will agree that experiences at the formative level are certainly influencing behaviourial patterns in our society. Visual and hearing impairment, as well as dyslexia, — all invisible handicaps, present serious challenges and must be addressed. In the long term, there is need for every teacher to be properly trained in Guidance and Counselling.

Our country has the resources to provide for this. Support systems must form an important part of this programme. Parents, some of whom are single parents, strive hard to cope with the rising cost of living coupled with other social problems they are unable to deal with. They need assistance and guidance as well. As an integral part of this service, at governmental level, agencies must be set up in every community to allow individuals to avail themselves of services by caring, competent professionals. Our human resources remain our greatest and most valuable assets. Among other factors, the emotional and spiritual well being of our youth must always remain our primary focus.

ELMA RAMSUMAIR
Arima