Adventist teachers complete counselling training

About Thirty-four Teachers  from Adventist High Schools including  a certified counselor has successfully concluded a comprehensive three-day Counseling Training program in Honiara.

The training was held at the Betikama Adventist College (BAC) Dining Hall in East Honiara that commenced on Monday, April 1st, and concluded on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024.

Dr. Leeroy Elisha, Head of the Department of Education at the Pacific Adventist University (PAU) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was engaged to facilitate the training.

The training was funded by Thrift family in Australia which administered through ADRA Australia and implemented by ADRA Solomon Islands with the support of Betikama School Administration.

Representatives from various Adventist Schools, including Kopiu Adventist High School (KAHS) in East Guadalcanal, Burnscreek Adventist High School (BAHS) in East Honiara, Kukum SDA High School (KAHS) in Central Honiara, Luluga SDA High School (LAHS) in North East Guadalcanal, Betikama Adventist College (BAC), Townend Adventist High School (TAHS) in Auki, Malaita Province,Tenakoga Adventist High School (TCHS) , and a private qualified counselor in Honiara, attended the training.

Gibson Apusae, Project Officer for ADRA’s Betikama School Wellbeing Project, said that the aimed of the training was to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their counseling capabilities within their educational roles in schools.

“The training aimed to empower teachers to act as counselors in their schools, assisting students who facing various challenges in their school academic and personal life’’

‘’These teachers will now return to their schools and initiate counseling programs based on the knowledge gained from this training. This marks a significant milestone for Adventist schools in the country, being the first of its kind to happened,’’Mr Apusae said.

Mr. Apusae expressed appreciation to Thrift family in Australia through ADRA Australia for funding the training and commended ADRA Solomon Islands and the Betikama Administration Team for facilitating the program.

Steward Ben, Principal of Townend Adventist High School (TAHS) in Auki, appreciated ADRA and Betikama Adventist College (BAC) Administration for organizing the training.

“I am delighted to have participated in this counseling training, which has equipped me with the skills to effectively counsel students in my school’’

 “Despite being a principal, I lacked the confidence and expertise to provide counseling to students facing challenges. However, this training has broadened my understanding and provided me with valuable insights into conducting counseling in the school I am teaching,’’Mr Ben said during an interview.

Meanwhile, Dr. Leeroy Elisha, Head of the Department of Education at the Pacific Adventist University (PAU) in Papua New Guinea (PNG), has expressed his delight in facilitating counseling training for Adventist Teachers.

“I am thrilled to be here in the country conducting the counseling workshop for teachers in Adventist high schools”

 “It’s a privilege for me to share and impacts teachers with the counseling skills to our educators and educate them on effective counseling techniques for supporting students in their schools,’’Dr Elisah said.

The training was concluded with certificate awards presented to each participant, along with words of appreciation from BAC Principal, Bevan Tutuo. This was followed by a heartfelt presentation of gifts from the training organizers to the facilitator, Dr. Leeroy Elisha, at BAC Dining Hall on Wednesday, April 3rd.