Open letter to Minister Priya Manickchand

Feb 21, 2022 Letters

Dear Minister Priya Manickchand,

I am writing to express my deep concern about what seems to be an alarming ethical issue with the public education system and to urge immediate action by the Ministry of Education to provide much needed educational opportunities for all children.
What appears to be a lack of guidance system in place. In many homes’, kids are being failed, therefore leaving it to our teachers to bear the responsibility of putting it all back in place, being the second parent, we are the cornerstone of society, the backbone if we must. Here I am saying we can do more and yes, we will. I must commend you on your achievement in the educational sector, you have stepped up to the many challenges, phenomenal job done by your sector. I challenge you to take it one step further. After a deep dive in the educational system here and the one adopted by other nations, one thing truly stands out. The guidance system, yes indeed Guidance Counsellor at schools. Guidance counsellors are certified professionals employed by schools or academic institutions to assist and advise students about academic and personal decisions. They provide private counselling to students, assess the ability and potential in students, and coordinate with fellow professionals on student matters.
We need trained professionals to use a different scale to assess the needs of Guyanese children individually. Inferior or lack of guidance severely affects the lives and futures of children. Just having that safe space for them to explore, would greatly impact their emotional intelligence. This is one way, which we can step up to the challenge as we put forward the children of Guyana’s future.
Guyana has a fundamental duty to provide education to all of its citizens. So, let’s take a step forward and start at the core.
The programmes that the Guidance and Counselling Services run are as follow:
· Orientation Programme
· Growth and Development Programme
· How to Cope with Bullying
· How to Cope with Peer Pressure
· How Can I Improve My Organisational Skills?
· Strategies for Effective Learning
· Transition to Upper Grades / Divisions
· Career Guidance
· Social Skills Programme
Working with parents
Consultation with parents is an important part of our support process as we all work together to create a safe and caring environment for students in and out of the school.
· Academic, social and emotional concerns
· Family transitions such as divorce, death or moving
· Requesting evaluations
· To inform the school of outside supports in place for your child

Working with teachers and administrators
The elementary counsellor collaborates with teachers and administration to identify barriers to academic and personal growth and develop interventions to address areas of need. We attach importance to identifying the talents and uniqueness of each student as early as possible. Additionally, in-service training is given to the teachers when needed. Furthermore, the Elementary Counsellor Division works together with administrators and regular meetings are held with the principals and vice principal to assist with identifying and resolving student issues, needs and problems.
Developing emotional intelligence is vital to the upbringing of our young ones, and thus having a Guidance counsellor implemented can drastically make a difference. Not only will this benefit our young ones, it will provide jobs for Counsellors, truly giving them the opportunity to serve this nation. I can go on and on and state the facts of research findings on this but the worldwide web is a good way to start. Let’s have a brighter future for Guyana. Together, we can have a positive change. https://www.colaraz.com/talent/role-of-a-mentor-for-student/
Ashra Khan

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