GUIDANCE teachers are not counsellors, Papua New Guinea Counsellors’ Association senior executive member Onnie Teio says. “Schools should have trained counsellors who are always present in school to help counsel teachers and students when required,” she said. Teio said counselling was recognised as a vital service in the western world but “it is very premature in Papua New Guinea”. “Counselling is not the same as giving advice. Counselling is dealing with people’s emotions, their mental and physical status. It is about talking with them through their problems and helping them figure out a way to resolve the problem.” Teio, who is also the owner of Dove Counselling Services, said there were many unreported cases of domestic violence and other forms of violence and incest in families and communities that affected many children.
“Being a senior counsellor and trainer with vast experience on counselling, I must emphasise how such violence can affect a child’s behaviour and academic performance,” she said. “Through my years of counselling, I have identified and provided counselling to many people who are perpetrators now because they had a rough upbringing. “Many children suffer in silence, some commit suicide while the majority turn to drugs and alcohol.” Teio said many were from broken and violent homes and had not received any form of counselling during their childhood. “Many of these perpetrators that come to us for counselling were abused at an early age and were not aware that such practices were wrong and should be reported. There must, therefore, be more awareness in schools so that teachers, parents and students can take remedial measures,” she added. Teio, who is also the owner of Dove Counselling Services, “Although education starts at home, not all parents and families will be able to mould and shape a child to be a better and productive citizen. Schools should be able to provide such services for students,” she added. The National/ PNG Education News Next : Southern Highlands Teachers College Non School Leavers Selection List Comments are closed.
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