Dear Editor,
Much has been written, and much more, in all likelihood, would be written about the Mahdia mega-tragedy. However, missing in all of this is a very doable measure that would have prevented this fire – counsellors in schools.
Had there been counsellors on the staff at the school, that student would have been referred to that counsellor as per standard procedure, and that counsellor would have helped that student to deal with her emotions arising out of the ‘loss’ of her cell phone, and would have recommended that that student not be returned to dorm, as per standard procedure, until it could have been certified that danger was eliminated.
In effect, the counsellor would have done what counsellors do, and eliminated any danger to the school and its students.
Since 2014, The Caribbean Voice has been calling for the placement of counsellors in schools, and if this Mahdia mega-tragedy does not catalyse such a move, then what will? Unlike ten years ago, there are now available psychologists trained by UG and other tertiary institutions, who can be employed while they work towards their masters, perhaps via a programme implemented by the Ministry of Education via an agreement with UWI or some other international institution.
At the same time, the Masters in Psychology programme, which has been in the making for years at UG, should be implemented as soon as possible.
Once again, The Caribbean Voice makes this appeal: Please place counsellors in schools, at the minimum all secondary schools, immediately, with placements to all other schools to follow.
Sincerely,
Annan Boodram
