The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has urged counsellors and para-counsellors to demonstrate love and empathy in their guidance of students.
Chuma-Udeh made the call on Wednesday in Awka, at the inauguration Counsellors, Para-councillors and Integrity Club in the 1,070 primary school in the state.
The event was organised by the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) in collaboration with the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON).
She described the primary education sector as the foundation for a child’s future.
According to her, the training a child required the joint efforts of both parents and teachers.
“Guidance counsellors play a crucial role in the personal, academic,and social development of children, especially within educational and formative environments.
” Counsellors and Para-councillors should therefore, show love and empathy in guiding the students,” she said.
Also speaking, Mr Ejike Okechukwu, lawmaker representing Anaocha Constituency II in the state Assembly, said counsellors, para-councillors and the Integrity Club have much role to play in re-directing students.
Okechukwu stated that students would receive proper guidance on how to navigate issues and challenges they may face during their education.
“I believe we will see meaningful improvements in the character development of our students at the basic education level.
“I encourage counsellors to balance compassion with discipline in guiding children’s growth,” he said.
Earlier, Dr Vera Nwadinobi, ASUBEB Chairman, stressed the importance of guidance counselling in addressing students’ behavioural and academic issues early in their development.
Nwadinobi said the counsellors Para-councillors among the teaching staff to address the behavioural needs of the learners.
“Para-councillors provide complementary roles to professional counsellors in the provision of guidance services to learners.
“Integrity is doing the right thing when nobody is watchin including being accountable, taking responsibility for your actions, all of which are embodied in positive value system,” she added.
Nwadinobi urged Integrity Club members to help identify and address integrity issues in schools by promoting ethical behavior, positive values and peer support in the fight against corruption.
“The Inauguration of counselling practice and Integrity Club in primary schools is a way of creating awareness and responsiveness to the prevailing societal vices.
“It will empower children to advocate for good behavior and good governance from a very young age,” she said.
In his remarks, National President of CASSON, Prof. Ike Ifelunni, represented by Chairperson , Anambra Chapter, Dr Ndidi Okeke, charged the counsellors to discharge their duties with integrity and compassion
