In-school psychosocial counseling support for orphans in Gaborone west junior secondary schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the in-school psychosocial counseling support services for orphans in secondary schools. The objectives of the study was to determine the extent to which orphans are offered psychosocial support in Gaborone West Secondary Schools; school personnel involved in the provision of psychosocial needs of orphans in Gaborone West junior secondary school, and the competency level school counselors have in providing psychosocial counseling support to orphans in schools. The sample consisted of school personnel (N=21) and orphanrespondents (N=54; ages of 13 to 17) from three junior secondary schools namely: Gaborone West, Maikano and Kgale Hill junior secondary schools. A purposive sampling technique was employed in selecting the orphan learners and school personnel involved with the guidance and counseling programme in those schools. Both orphan learners and school personnel completed a questionnaire on psychosocial counseling support available to orphans in schools; and the counseling assistance orphans receive in coping with their situation. Descriptive statistics showed that school personnel in Gaborone West junior secondary schools lacked the capacity to support orphans. They lacked psychosocial counseling skills to respond to psychological needs of orphans. Junior secondary schools also had insufficient capacity to offer support services to orphans due to unavailability of resources. Orphan learners need to be provided psychosocial counseling support by trained counselors. Schools needed trained counselors.