Certified counsellors needed

TEACHERS trained in guidance and counselling are more in demand than ever, with local schools slated to have at least one certified counsellor in residence.

Hjh Kasmah Hj Siput, the director of Islamic Studies was speaking during the certificate presentation for participants attending the Basic Guidance and Counselling course for religious teachers.

"The department is in need of teachers who are truly trained in guidance and counselling and schools should have their own counsellor," she said.

She added that with the guidance course, teachers will be more capable to guide students who are faced with problems not in just education but in other social problems as well.

Some 30 participants received their certificates for the Basic Guidance and Counselling course yesterday.

"Counselling is fast becoming an important aspect of a school, as it helps at solving students with problem and guiding them to success," said Awg Mafsah @ Shahrin Majid from Ma'had Islam Brunei.

He said that with the course, they were able to identify and solve some of the problem faced by youths such as bullying and organised a session to resolve issues.

The course was aimed for teachers who have been selected as the guidance counsellor, and it is the second time being held. Participants were taught on the role of a guidance counsellor, the concepts, how to counsel an individual and organising a group counselling session.

Yesterday's event also saw participants districts receiving certificates for attending the al-Quran Revision course.

The Brunei Times