The Anambra government, on Wednesday, deployed guidance counsellors, para-counsellors, and integrity clubs across the 1,070 primary schools in the state.

Inaugurating the counsellors in Awka, the state commissioner for education, Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, urged counsellors and para-counsellors to demonstrate love and empathy in guiding pupils and students.

The event was organised by the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) in collaboration with the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON).

The commissioner described the primary education sector as the foundation for a child’s future.

According to her, training a child requires the joint efforts of both parents and teachers.

“Guidance counsellors play a crucial role in the personal, academic and social development of children, especially within educational and formative environments.

“Counsellors and para-counsellors should therefore show love and empathy in guiding the pupils and students,” she said.

Also speaking, Ejike Okechukwu, lawmaker representing Anaocha Constituency II in the State Assembly, said counsellors, para-counsellors, and the Integrity Club have a major role to play in re-directing students.

Mr Okechukwu said that students would receive proper guidance on how to navigate issues and challenges they may face during their education.

“I believe we will see meaningful improvements in the character development of our students at the basic education level.

“I encourage counsellors to balance compassion with discipline in guiding children’s growth,” he said.

Earlier, Vera Nwadinobi, ASUBEB chairman, emphasised the importance of guidance counselling in addressing students’ behavioural and academic issues early in their development.

Mrs Nwadinobi said the counsellors and para-counsellors are part of the teaching staff assigned to address the behavioural needs of learners.

“Para-counsellors provide complementary roles to professional counsellors in the provision of guidance services to learners.

“Integrity is doing the right thing when nobody is watching, including being accountable, taking responsibility for your actions, all of which are embodied in a positive value system,” she said.

Mrs Nwadinobi, however, urged Integrity Club members to help identify and address integrity issues in schools by promoting ethical behaviour, positive values, and peer support in the fight against corruption.

“The inauguration of counselling practice and Integrity Club in primary schools is a way of creating awareness and responsiveness to the prevailing societal vices.

“It will empower children to advocate for good behaviour and good governance from a very young age,” she said.

In his remarks, national president of CASSON, Ike Ifelunni, represented by the chairperson of the Anambra chapter, Ndidi Okeke, urged the counsellors to discharge their duties with integrity and compassion.

(NAN)