PRESS RELEASE ON PROTECTING CHILD RIGHTS ON SCHOOL GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING

The Commission notes that the mismatch between training and employment, both in terms of quality and quantity, as a result of poor or non-existent educational guidance, is one of the causes of youth unemployment.

The Commission notes that a very large proportion of 18-year-olds have no career plans. Many say they are confused and some take the wrong path paved with difficulties, drop-out and failure, at great cost to families and the nation.

The Commission reminds parents that the child/learner’s educational guidance and counselling is the joint responsibility of the child, the parents and the school guidance and counselling professionals.

The Commission regrets that most parents and most public and private higher education institutions do not attach importance to the role of guidance professionals in the educational guidance of children.

The Commission recognises the key role played by guidance counsellors, whose duties include identifying children’s potential likely to provide them with the tools they need to gain a better understanding of themselves, and help them find the best path for their personal development.

The Commission encourages parents to establish and maintain a genuine, in-depth and constructive dialogue with their children and guidance counsellors in schools, as such dialogue should help them to express their wishes, become aware of their child’s individuality and help them develop self-confidence, given that the essential dialogue between parents, children and counsellors has a major positive impact on the development of both children and the country as a whole.

The Commission recommends that University Rectors ensure that any pre-enrolment for the academic year 2023/2024 is preceded by an orientation session conducted by a guidance and counselling professional.