Basseterre: St. Kitts, Monday, February 06, 2023: In remarks to commence the opening of School Counsellors Week Minister of Education, Hon Dr Geoffrey Hanley expressed gratitude to the Schools’ Guidance Counselling Department for the significant role it plays in creating an environment which fosters the comprehensive growth of students.
“Our Guidance Counsellors have taken the time to care and devote their time, resources, and diligent effort to foster the holistic development of our students. They have served diligently over the many years, developing strong pillars for our students to overcome challenges and to dare to dream big. The Ministry of Education thanks all our Guidance Counsellors for their selfless and invaluable contribution to our federation.”
Expounding on the nature of work done by the Schools’ Counselling Department, the Minister clarified, “Guidance Counsellors have gone above and beyond the call of duty to deliver, preventive, interventive and supportive services to our students, parents, teachers, and the communities in which they serve. They have developed varied programmes to meet the personal, social, academic and career needs of our students, teachers, and parents. Through individual and group counselling, mentorship programmes, life skills programmes, career development services, academic development services, workshops, seminars, and volunteer programmes, with limited resources and in countless other ways they continue to serve. They continue to serve as advocates for our students. They partner with key stakeholders to ensure that students receive the help they need to dream big and to make those dreams become a reality.”
Minister Hanley urged all stakeholders to be cognizant and appreciative of the school counsellors,
“This week as we celebrate our Guidance Counsellors let us reflect upon the contributions they have made and continue to make in the lives of our most prized resource, our children. To all Guidance Counsellors, thank you for your service and dedication to fostering leaders and agents of change in our blessed federation and the world,” the minister communicated.
School Counsellors Week will be celebrated under the theme; School Counsellors: Helping Students Dream Big, during the week of Monday, February 06 – Friday, February 10.