By Karen James
In a bid to revolutionise the educational system in Anambra State, the LifeCare Coalition Outreach (LCCO) and Mercy Ikeanyi Foundation (IDOMI) have partnered with the Anambra State Government to train 66 guidance counsellors from public and private schools. The goal? To achieve a disruptive change in teaching styles for greater results in child educational development.
The two-day international training and workshop on social emotional learning for guidance counsellors was held in Awka and had the theme “Envisioning an Ecological Classroom to Increase Knowledge about Social Emotional Learning.” The workshop drew counsellors from six educational zones of the state, including Awka, Aguata, Nnewi, Onitsha, Ogidi, and Otuocha.
Led by a visiting professor of social work from California State University, the workshop focused on equipping counsellors with the necessary tools and knowledge to train others. Participants engaged in written dialogues, PowerPoint presentations, and supplementary course materials to enhance their understanding of interprofessional frameworks for teaching.
Dr. Chinedu Ikeanyi, the coordinator of IDOMI Foundation, and Mrs. Victoria Oby-Anago, the LCCO counterpart, highlighted that this training is a response to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s call for support from Ndi Anambra in the Diaspora to revitalise educational development in the state. They emphasised that the target participants for the training conference were secondary school guidance counsellors, zonal coordinators, and representatives.
According to Dr. Ikeanyi, the goal of the training is for guidance counsellors to implement a team-based approach that addresses non-academic factors impacting children’s academic success. By evaluating a holistic approach to non-academic variables, these counsellors can benefit not only the children but also their families and communities.
Mrs. Ogoona Onwuka, the Director of Educational Services, Post Primary School Service Commission, commended the training and assured that the Anambra State Government will ensure its replication to all counsellors. The government has approved and will monitor the training to ensure that the expected outcomes are embedded for optimal productivity.
The training featured a lecture by Dr. Sevaughn Banks, an Associate Professor of Social Work from California State University, who emphasised the importance of ecological approaches to address the holistic learning experiences of students. By focusing on social and emotional learning, students’ behaviour can be better understood and improved outcomes can be achieved.
Mr. Donatus Nwabunze, speaking on behalf of the participants, expressed gratitude to the organisers for the opportunity given to them. He recognized the significance of students’ social and emotional states in their learning process and pledged to train others, promoting a student-centred education system in Anambra State.
This collaborative effort between LCCO, IDOMI, and the Anambra State Government is a promising step towards transforming teaching styles and creating a conducive learning environment for students in Anambra. With a strong foundation laid by these trained guidance counsellors, the future of education in the state looks brighter than ever.
