Daily Archives: November 3, 2018

INDIAN SCHOOL BOARD INITIATES ROUND-THE-CLOCK COUNSELLING SERVICES

News & Events, Press Release

In a significant move aimed at ensuring a stress-free academic environment, the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman has launched a round-the-clock tele-counselling service for all students and teachers of Indian Schools across the Sultanate. The hotline counselling service, developed in response to the rising emotional and psychological challenges prevalent in society, reflects the Board’s focus on ensuring the dignity and diversity of all students, and can be availed by parents of students as well.

The initiative strives to offer free, confidential and non-judgmental support to students in despair due to personal or academic concerns. It also aims to meet the unique needs of each student irrespective of age, gender, socio-economic status or culture. A team of qualified counsellors with expertise in tele-counselling has been put in charge of promoting and protecting the wellbeing of every person who makes a call for advice and help.

Outlining the significance of the initiative, Dr. Baby Sam Saamuel, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman said, “Our school counselors have a lot more to offer when it comes to the emotional health of our children. Under this programme, they go the extra mile in supporting the students, reflecting their dedication to their profession and children. The Board and our schools are proud to get this counseling hotline running, which will ensure that at any point of time all day, throughout the year, relevant help and a listening ear is just a call away for our children. This is now more critical than ever as children seem to be not able to cope with the kind of pressure they undergo. At the same time, we would like to reiterate that this is not a one-stop solution but rather a first step towards getting the right help.”

Children and adolescents with depression experience significant academic and social difficulties. Depressed children are more likely to be withdrawn and derive less enjoyment from their surroundings. They lack motivation and a small section of such students may even consider committing self-harm. Such negative thoughts are more likely when the student feels that nothing will help to improve the situation. Tele-counselling could rescue any child who is in desperate need of a patient hearing of their woes.

The helpline is for the students and faculty members of the Indian Schools in Oman. Parents can also have access to the line, but only in relation to the problems of their wards studying in Indian Schools. The professionally trained and experienced counsellors of Indian Schools have taken it as a challenge to commit themselves to providing this inclusive service to students and teachers alike, a communiqué from the Board noted.

The Board hopes that the noble initiative of the Board will be a source of consolation and comfort to the students who are under stress and feel that they have no one to rely on in times of desperation.

INDIAN SCHOOLS LAUNCH COUNSELLING & SPECIAL EDUCATION MANUAL

News & Events, Press Release

The Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman has launched a Counselling and Special Education Manual which deals with the roles and responsibilities of Counsellors and Special Educators in the holistic development of students in Indian Schools. The Chairman of the Board, Dr. Baby Sam Saamuel presented the first copy of the Manual to Mr. P. Prabhakaran, Principal, Indian School Al Maabela. The inauguration took place at a special launch event attended by the Board Members, Presidents of School Management Committees and Principals of various schools.

The manual is founded on the concept of holistic education which underscores the necessity of all-round development of a child – academic, physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological. Academic competence comes not just from the grasp of subjects but from the application of knowledge in social, societal settings. This is in line with the continued pursuit and vision of the Board of Directors of bringing about transformative learning where every child is equipped with the knowledge, skills and well-being to find their identity and purpose in life.

The manual follows the Indian and international laws pertaining to the counselling and special education function. It outlines the best practices related to all the aspects of the functioning of a counselor and special educator. The document touches upon the operational procedures; the need for continual training; the relationship of counselors & special educators with their student/counselee and other stakeholders etc. It also sheds light on the administerial aspects such as job description, recruitment criteria, day to day functions, infrastructural requirement, reporting and referral procedures. The manual also features all the standardized forms to be used in the counselling and special education function such as documentation, referral forms, in-take interview forms, feedback forms, identification checklists and a list of service referral resources. A provision for periodic revision is also featured in it.

“This Counselling & Special Education Manual is moulded from our firm faith in the need for a strong, streamlined support system for our students consisting of clinical psychologists, student counsellors and special educators. We hope that these guidelines would act as a framework to explore and establish the very many ways in which our schools and our resources can support the emotional health of our children”, said Dr. Saamuel, the Chairman of the Board.

In today’s times when children face unique and diverse challenges, both personally and developmentally, which often affect their academics and future life, there is a dire need of counsellors who can bring about a positive transformation that will enrich the society. In addition to the fundamental roles of counsellors as advisors and guides who support the emotional, physical and psychological health of students across diverse areas from academics to career counselling, from bullying to grief, from family problems to online abuse and even self-harm, their roles can be further enhanced. Special educators, on the other hand, are the key to integrating SEN children into mainstream education, as the Indian schools inch closer to inclusion. A very important aspect is their role in enhancement and promotion of inclusive education – creating awareness, identifying and assisting children who need care, guiding and training teachers and parents.