Masithethe Counselling Services will be empowering 15 local psychology graduates by providing work experience and training from June 5-15.
The participants will be stationed at various school around East London once their training is complete.
This programme has proven effective in the past both for graduates and schools across the metro in need of counseling support in under-resourced areas.
Masithethe Counselling Services director Jackie Orsmond, said: “The graduates will attend a one-week personal growth and counselling skills course to equip them. They will also attend ongoing training and group and individual supervision by our senior staff.
The first two days focus on personal development and the following three days will focus on advanced counselling skills,” Orsmond said.
Ayabonga Nkohliso, who participated in the course last year, believes it is important for schools to support the initiative.
“Mental health is as important as physical health, especially for schoolgoing children, where the culture of bullying is festering.
“We find that many pupils have suicidal thoughts and with our training through Masithethe, we are empowered to assist both the pupil and the school.
“This is a rarity in today’s schools so I encourage all to please be aware of the signs and reach out for help. Masithethe can offer that help,” Nkohliso said.
Nkohliso believes that this is a great opportunity for the graduates, the pupils, and their parents to gain experience and support with regard to mental health issues.
“This is an excellent programme for unemployed graduates to gain the necessary experience as Masithethe makes sure that the graduates get good training and support while they assist the pupils with psycho-social support.
“I encourage parents to play an active role in their children’s school lives, and work closely with the schools. Personally, this experience has confirmed that I have chosen the right career as I feel fulfilled in what I do,” Nkohliso said.
The graduates will take part in personal development as well as advanced counselling skills.
Once the course has been completed, they will then receive a certificate and Masithethe will assist them in finding schools close to their homes where they will continue with their practical duties.
The course will run from the Masithethe offices in Southernwood.
Masithethe has been offering free and confidential counselling to BCM residents for 38 years and has responded to many calls to offer counseling to school children.
They currently offer counselling to 30 different schools in East London to assist pupils with issues like bullying, peer pressure, problems at home and any other problems that they may be dealing with.