KCPCA Pushes for Guidance and Counseling to be Included in School Curriculum The Kenya Counselors and Psychologists Association (KCPCA) has intensified its advocacy for the inclusion of guidance and counseling in the national school curriculum. KCPCA Chairperson Albert Otuko emphasized the critical need for guidance and counseling services in schools, stating that they are essential for the holistic development of students. He noted that students face a wide range of challenges, including academic, social, and emotional issues, which require professional support. “Guidance and counseling programs provide a safe and confidential space where students can access support, explore their strengths and weaknesses, and develop coping mechanisms to navigate various life challenges,” Otuko explained. The association has been engaging with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to advocate for the inclusion of guidance and counseling in the curriculum. They believe that this will provide a structured and systematic approach to addressing the mental health and well-being of students. According to KCPCA, research shows that guidance and counseling programs have a significant positive impact on students’ academic performance, behavior, and overall well-being. They also contribute to reducing dropout rates and promoting healthy decision-making. “By neglecting guidance and counseling in our schools, we are failing to adequately prepare our students for the challenges of life,” Otuko stressed. “It is time to prioritize the mental health and well-being of our youth and equip them with the skills they need to thrive.” KCPCA urged the government to allocate resources and train qualified guidance and counseling professionals to support students in schools. They also called for the establishment of guidance and counseling units in all schools to ensure that students have access to these essential services. The association’s advocacy efforts have gained support from various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and mental health experts. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has also endorsed the inclusion of guidance and counseling in the school curriculum. The inclusion of guidance and counseling in the school curriculum would be a significant step towards providing comprehensive support for students and fostering a healthy learning environment in Kenyan schools.Kenya’s Push for Mandatory Guidance and Counseling in Secondary SchoolsKenya’s Push for Mandatory Guidance and Counseling in Secondary Schools The Kenya Counseling and Psychologists Association (KCPA) has urged the Ministry of Education to incorporate guidance and counseling as a compulsory subject in secondary schools. This move aims to address growing concerns about the students’ mental health and its impact on academic performance and discipline. KCPA President Professor Catherine Gachutha highlighted the importance of equipping students with psychosocial support skills to help them manage their emotions and prevent indiscipline. She attributed the increase in discipline cases to the declining mental well-being of students. By offering counseling as a subject, the association believes it can revive learning institutions and improve students’ performance. Students will have a platform to express their feelings and seek assistance when facing stress. Professor Gachutha also emphasized the need to train more teaching and non-teaching staff in counseling skills. She noted that most guidance and counseling departments in schools are inactive due to staff shortages and urged the government to prioritize assigning more counselors to schools. The call for mandatory guidance and counseling was made during the launch of a counseling program at Chinga Boys Secondary School in Nyeri County. Over 1,500 students received counseling and tutoring sessions from the Second Chance Counseling Center. General Director of the Center, Rose Gathii, stressed the significance of counseling students during their formative years. She emphasized the need for safe spaces where students can express their emotions and acquire life skills, such as stress and anger management, to navigate challenges effectively. The KCPA’s initiative aims to promote the well-being of students, reduce indiscipline, and enhance their academic performance. The compulsory inclusion of guidance and counseling in the school curriculum has the potential to transform the learning environment and empower students to succeed in both their personal and academic lives.KCPA+ Advocates for Inclusion of Guidance and Counseling in School Curriculum The Kenya Counseling and Psychologists Association (KCPA+) has called on the Ministry of Education to integrate guidance and counseling into the school curriculum. KCPA+ Secretary-General Petronila Were argues that guidance and counseling are crucial in addressing mental health challenges, preventing substance abuse, and promoting resilience among students. “We need structured guidance and counseling programs in schools to provide students with a safe space to discuss their issues and develop coping mechanisms,” stated Were. According to the association, the increasing cases of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and suicide, underscore the urgent need for guidance counselors in schools. “Counselors can help students identify and manage stress, build self-esteem, and make informed decisions about their future,” explained Were. KCPA+ also highlights the role of guidance and counseling in preventing drug and alcohol abuse among teenagers. “Counselors can work with students to develop healthy relationships, stress management techniques, and critical thinking skills, reducing the likelihood of them engaging in risky behaviors,” said Were. The association has presented its proposal to the Ministry of Education and urged the government to allocate resources for training and deployment of guidance counselors in schools. “Guidance and counseling is not a luxury but a necessity for the well-being of our children and the future of our nation,” concluded Were.