Buffelsdale Primary school officially opened its counselling centre on Friday, May 9 to address social problems among its pupils and the wider community.
Many of the school’s pupils struggle with social issues stemming from bullying, problems at home and social problems in the wider Tongaat community.
The school’s governing body decided to tackle the problem head on and refurbished one of its old classrooms into the new counselling room. Principal YP Govender believes the facility will promote mental, educational and social support of pupils.
“This will make it possible for pupils to be counselled in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Everybody remembers how difficult it can be to walk into the principal’s office and discuss problems.
There really is a need for this facility at the school and in the community,” he said. Tongaat SAPS Lieutenant Mandy Govender hammered home the importance of the facility.
“Children are at a vulnerable age in primary school and they experiment at this age. Counselling is difficult and I appeal that we make sure children receive repeated counselling if they are struggling with social problems,” she said. Counselling will be offered primarily by volunteers from the Tongaat Child and Family Welfare Society. The school also opened its Fountain of Knowledge reading area, which will help promote reading skills.
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