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.