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Need for school counsellors now greater than ever– Education Minister

- points to COVID-19 as creating demand for counsellor support
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) with local Guidance Counsellors. Photo: Facebook
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries, and Agriculture Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has pointed to the need for school/guidance counsellors as even greater as a result of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: VINO/File
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries, and Agriculture Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has pointed to the need for school/guidance counsellors as even greater as a result of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries, and Agriculture Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has pointed to the need for school/guidance counsellors as even greater as a result of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Wheatley’s statement came as part of remarks on National School Counselling Week in the VI, which ran from February 7 and ended on February 11, 2022, under the theme ‘Better Together.”

He said with so many students out of classrooms and in remote schooling, teachers and others need support in the new era of schooling.

“The counsellor’s role is designed to be supportive of parents, teachers, and others in the education community…. In a broad sense, the counsellor supports the development of children in all areas, academic, physical, social spiritual, and emotional."

Counsellors spend most time engaging persons – Dr Wheatley

Highlighting the role of the counsellors, he said most spend more than 50% of their time engaging in individual counselling, classroom guidance, ground counselling, planning, responding to student concerns, and advocating.

Dr Wheatley thanked counsellors for their work in education during the difficult time and called on students and parents to show appreciation to school counsellors.

“Talk to a counsellor if you spot a problem where support is needed. If you are in a business talk to a counsellor in your areas about ways you can support the growth of students."

The Education Minister also called on community leaders to work with counsellors and formulate programmes for the local community.

3 Responses to “Need for school counsellors now greater than ever– Education Minister”

  • VIRGIN ISLANDS BOY (16/02/2022, 16:33) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    What happened to the boxing program?
    It was doing great, that program helped alot of our young men and ladies.
    I saw couple guys he trained now in the US. Army.
  • Ridiculous (16/02/2022, 17:13) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    …how little investment is made in social services and the human capital of this country generally.
  • big show (16/02/2022, 23:45) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    there's a need for a new government now also


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