Thirty-four teachers from Adventist high schools in the Solomon Islands have successfully completed a comprehensive three-day counselling training program in Honiara.
The training was held in the dining hall of Betikama Adventist College (BAC) in East Honiara from April 1-3.
The training was funded by the Thrift family in Australia, administered through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia and carried out by ADRA Solomon Islands with the support of the Betikama school administration. Head of the Department of Education at Pacific Adventist University (PAU) in Papua New Guinea, Dr Leeroy Elisha, facilitated the training.
“It’s a privilege for me to share and provide counselling skills to our educators and educate them on effective counselling techniques used for supporting students in their schools,” Dr Elisha said.
Representatives from various Adventist schools, including Kopiu Adventist High School in East Guadalcanal, Burns Creek Adventist High School in East Honiara, Kukum Adventist High School in Central Honiara, Luluga Adventist High School in Northeast Guadalcanal, Townend Adventist High School (TAHS) in Auki, Malaita Province, and Tenakoga Adventist High School, attended the training.
Project officer for ADRA’s Betikama School Wellbeing Project, Gibson Apusae, said the aim of the training was to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their counselling capabilities within their educational roles in schools.
“The training aimed to empower teachers to act as counsellors in their schools, assisting students who are facing various challenges in their school academic and personal life,” Mr Apusae said.
“These teachers will now return to their schools and initiate counselling programs based on the knowledge gained from this training. This marks a significant milestone for Adventist schools in the country, being the first of its kind to happen.”
Mr Apusae expressed appreciation to the Thrift family for funding the training and commended ADRA Solomon Islands and the Betikama administration team for facilitating the program.
TAHS principal Steward Legho expressed appreciation to ADRA and the BAC administration for organising the training.
“I am delighted to have participated in this counselling training, which has equipped me with the skills to effectively counsel students in my school,” Mr Ben said.
“Despite being a principal, I lacked the confidence and expertise to provide counselling to students facing challenges. However, this training has broadened my understanding and provided me with valuable insights into conducting counselling in the school I am teaching.”
