Assessing Status of Christian Guidance and Counselling Services in Secondary Schools in Malawi

Abstract

Guidance and counseling has grown up to become a part and parcel in teaching and learning world. However, in some parts of the world Christian guidance and counseling services are still lagging behind albeit recognizing it's utility, this paper evaluates the current state of Christian counseling services in secondary school in Malawi based on a review of various research studies, literature, and documents that examine the availability and impact of Christian guidance and counseling in promoting student's well-being in both public and private secondary school in Malawi, as provided by Christian practitioners. The study uses humanistic learning theory which understands the need to create conducive learning environment in schools which are also accessible through effective guidance and counseling services and facilities. This paper opens our insight to the fact that Christian guidance and counseling services available not only in Malawi but also across the world are career counseling, induction counseling, academic counseling, spiritual as well as referral counseling. The facilities available are problem checklist card, guidance and counseling office, counseling records book, guidance and counseling guideline counselors’ scheme of work, file cabinet, availability of teachers/guidance and counseling staff and library books. However it has been noted that the series and facilities are largely absent in most secondary school because the necessary infrastructure and components related to Christian guidance and counseling services are missing in many schools. The study recommends the Christian delegates, government and education overseers to find possible strategy to improve the status of Christian guidance and counseling services and facilities available in secondary school should complement one another in the quest to effectively implement guidance and counseling services in schools.