As secondary school students sit for their first sequence exams, just two months into the academic year, the importance of guidance counselors cannot be overstated. Psychologists emphasize that school counselors play a pivotal role in boosting student achievement, particularly in Cameroon where guiding and counseling have historically been overlooked.
School counselors fulfill several crucial functions within schools, which can be delineated into four primary duties:
Providing Leadership: Collaborating with stakeholders to ensure student success.
Advocating for Students: Championing students’ rights in education.
Supporting Students: Addressing academic or personal problems.
Academic Planning: Helping students meet educational requirements to achieve their goals.
Benefits of Guidance and Counseling Services
Despite their importance, guidance and counseling services have traditionally been given low priority in secondary schools. However, in 2009, the Ministry of Secondary Education mandated compulsory counseling to help students overcome academic difficulties, provide information on occupational opportunities.
By providing these essential services, school counselors can:
– Improve student academic performance
– Enhance student motivation and engagement
– Foster positive relationships between students, teachers, and parents
– Support students’ social-emotional development
– Facilitate career exploration and planning
Cameroon’s Need for Emphasis on Guidance and Counseling
In Cameroon, where guiding and counseling have been neglected, it is essential to recognize the value of school counselors. By prioritizing guidance and counseling services, schools can:
Improve student outcomes, reduce dropout rates, promote student well-being, enhance the overall educational experience
As secondary school students navigate the challenges of academia, school counselors play a vital role in supporting their success. It is crucial that Cameroon’s educational system recognizes the importance of guidance and counseling services and continues to prioritize their development.
Tanjong Levis Agbor
