The Ministry of Education is offering training in psychosocial support to child protection officers in schools and counseling services for students struggling with drug abuse, according to permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca.
During a presentation to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, which reviewed the ministry’s annual reports from 2018 to 2021, Kuruleca emphasized the importance of training in psychosocial support for the recovery and healing of affected students.
“Psychosocial support is essential for fostering comprehensive development in children and adolescents, addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs,” Kuruleca stated. She explained that assisting a child in recovering from traumatic events requires recognizing their emotional responses through careful observation and monitoring, as well as alleviating emotional distress by offering a supportive presence and modeling positive behaviors.
Furthermore, she mentioned that psychosocial support plays a crucial role in revealing the underlying reasons that lead children to use drugs. These reasons may include curiosity, experimentation, or a need for coping mechanisms to deal with trauma stemming from family or personal challenges.
Kuruleca also highlighted that school heads have been instructed to handle any syringes found on school grounds with extreme caution. “With the rise of dangerous drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as the use of syringes for drug use in the community, all heads of schools have been reminded to manage these items with appropriate protective measures if such substances are discovered in their institutions,” she added.