Role of guidance and counselling in addressing psychosocial needs of orphaned pupils in public pre-schools in Nakuru municipality, Kenya

Abstract

Kenya as a developing nation is undergoing dynamic, political, economic and social cultural transitions. The education system is also adjusting to the current trends in handling of pupils in a holistic manner. Two key resource teachers in all the primary schools in the country were trained to respond to needs brought about by the withdrawal of cane as a form of punishment of the pupils. In everyday life, orphaned pupils face social and psychological challenges. This, if not well managed and resolved, may affect their learning process and academic performance, and also their interpersonal relationships. Orphaned pupils need psychological support through guidance and counselling services in order to resolve these challenges. The study sought to address the role of guidance and counselling services in psychosocial problems facing orphaned pupils in public pre-schools in Nakuru Municipality. The study adopted a survey research design. The target population included all the 240 orphaned pupils, the teacher counselors and headteachers in the five educational zones. A simple random sample of 48 pupils, 30 teachers and 30 headteachers from 6 purposively selected public preschools in each educational zone was involved in the study. Data was collected through administration of two sets of questionnaires to headteachers and teacher counselors and an observation schedule for pupils. The data from 6 purposively selected public preschools in each educational zone was involved in the study. Data was collected through administration of two sets of questionnaires to headteachers, pre-school teacher counselors and an observation schedule for pupils. The data collected was processed and analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of a scientific calculator. The study provided information that may be useful in the improvement of guidance and counselling delivery in public pre-schools. The study also provided information that could be useful in reinforcing guidance and counselling services by the pre-school teacher counselors, the headteacher and also the Ministry of Education through the District centres for Early Childhood Education. This could assist the orphaned pupils to accept their status and concentrate in their academic work as well as adjusting in their social life.