The National Substance Abuse Advisory Council is taking steps to enhance mental health support in schools, motivated by increasing concerns around student drug use, violence, and self-harm. Acting Chief Executive Josua Naisele highlighted the findings from counselling sessions, which indicate a rise in mental health issues among students that frequently translate into substance abuse and aggressive behavior.
The Council is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to advocate for a larger presence of qualified counsellors in schools, particularly at the district level, where there is a significant shortage of support staff. Currently, only four divisional counsellors serve the entire nation, each catering to one of the country’s divisions. The aim is to implement district-level counselling across all nine educational jurisdictions to improve access to support.
Naisele emphasized the pressing need for qualified professionals to assist students effectively, stating, “We need individuals who are well-trained to help students recover and provide the appropriate support.” He also mentioned that in the interim, the Council is offering basic counselling and communication skills training to teachers, enabling them to support students until trained professionals are available.
This move aligns with previous efforts highlighted in recent discussions, where Naisele shed light on the troubling situation of children using drugs as a coping mechanism for anxiety. He pointed out the critical role that emotional stability plays in a child’s development and reiterated the importance of creating a supportive home and school environment. Addressing underlying issues such as abuse and neglect is essential for mitigating the alarming trends of substance abuse among youths.
The convergence of these initiatives showcases a hopeful perspective that through community efforts and improved support systems, schools can become safer and more nurturing environments. The commitment to cultivating better emotional health among students could lead to a significant decrease in drug use and associated behaviors, ultimately fostering a healthier, more resilient generation.
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