Graduated diploma holders in school counselling with State Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland, Temsunaro Aier and others during graduation day in Kohima on July 12. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 12
The State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT) Nagaland today conducted the Graduation Day of the Diploma Holders in School Counselling for 2019 & 2022 Batch at SIEMAT Hall, Kohima.
Temsunaro Aier, State Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland administered oath and presented diploma to 32 graduated diploma holders in school counselling for 2019 batch and 21 for 2022 batch.
Aier extended congratulations to all the teachers who have successfully completed the 1-year diploma in school counselling programme, adding that they are the first batch to have completed the course after it is upgraded to 1 Year Diploma.
Aier also appreciated Dr Zavise Rume, Professor & Head, Counselling Cell, SCERT and team for the dedication and commitment in completing another milestone in taking the school counselling programme forward.
“Today marks the culmination of one year of hard work, dedication, and a profound commitment to making a difference in the lives of students,” she said.
In a world that is constantly changing, the role of a school counsellor is more critical than ever as you help students navigate through the challenges of academic pressures, personal development, and mental health, she said adding that “it not only shapes individual lives but also contributes to the well-being of our communities and society at large.”
She said that National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 underscores the importance of holistic development of students, emphasizing that students require not only academic support but also socio-emotional support to thrive in their educational journey.
“School counsellors are seen as crucial in achieving this balance. The policy emphasizes the need for integrated support services in schools, including counselling, to address the diverse needs of students,” Aier said.
She maintained that counselling services in schools are envisioned to provide support to students who may be facing emotional, psychological, or behavioural challenges.
“Early identification and intervention are extremely vital to provide the time needed support to our students,” she said and expressed happiness that Nagaland is one of the pioneer states in the country to introduce Professional Diploma Course in School Counselling for the in-service teachers to become school counsellors.
Stating that the graduated diploma holders can make a big difference in the lives of many students, she encouraged them to keep learning and growing.”
“Embrace change, remain curious, and continue to strive for excellence. Your role as school counsellors is not just a profession; it is a calling to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals,” she said.
Earlier, Aier released a book on a “Study on Naga traditional practice of socio - emotional expression” produced by Professor Dr Zavise Rume and Joint Director, Kegwalo Thyug.
Nagaland- first in India to offer diploma course in school counselling
Kevirale-ü Kerhuo, Director SCERT Nagaland thanked Temsunaro for the financial backing of Samagra Shiksha, which has been instrumental in sustaining this diploma course in school counselling.
She said that SCERT Nagaland pioneered this diploma course with the vision to provide hands-on, practical training in school counselling.
“Today, we stand proud as the first in the country to offer this initiative. With the recent approval of the State Cabinet, the course duration has been extended to one year,” she said.
SCERT Nagaland have completed the fourth batch of the course and trained 128 teachers in this diploma course and the fifth batch of the course is going on.
“We are going to organise a 5 day refresher’s course for all the diploma holders who have graduated from SCERT,” she said.
She said that SCERT have collaborated with St Joseph University Chümoukedima to develop a cutting-edge syllabus that incorporates the latest professional concepts in school counselling.
“Our mission is to professionalize this diploma course further, with support from the All Nagaland Counsellors Association. We aim to achieve university recognition and ensure that every school is equipped with both male and female counsellors to support the psychological, mental, and emotional well-being of students,” she said.
Samlam Zeliang and Khovelu Naro spoke on behalf of trainees for 2019 and 2022 batch respectively.
The programme was chaired by Medemmongla Jamir, Reader SCERT. Dr Naroti Jamir, Research Associate, SCERT Nagaland presented special number.
Dr Zavise Rume, Professor & Head, Guidance & Counselling Cell, SCERT gave a concluding remark.
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