Dar es Salaam. In Tanzanian schools, the absence of robust guidance and counselling units has left students grappling with a range of challenges, including mental health struggles, academic stress and social difficulties.
Despite government directives underscoring the importance of these services, their implementation has been hindered by insufficient funding, a lack of trained personnel and limited awareness of their importance.
Education stakeholders have called for urgent reforms to establish and strengthen counselling services in schools, making them integral to the educational system.
Currently, schools rely heavily on teachers to also serve as counsellors, often without the necessary training in child psychology or counselling techniques.
This compromise affects the effectiveness of addressing complex student issues.
Furthermore, many schools lack the infrastructure to provide private, confidential counselling, discouraging students from seeking help.
Psychologist, Dr Eliza Mwakalonge, speaking on January 2, 2025, emphasised the gravity of the situation:
“Many students are silently battling depression, anxiety and behavioural issues. Without professional support, these challenges persist and undermine both their academic performance and overall well-being.”
The situation is further complicated by poverty and family breakdowns.
Family challenges, such as divorce and economic hardships, often leave children emotionally distressed, which can impact their behaviour and concentration in class.
Family counsellor, Mr Gerald Mboma, said the trauma of poverty and family separation doesn’t stay at home.
“It follows children into classrooms, affecting their focus and performance. Schools must create safe spaces for these students,” he noted.
Digital platforms have also added to the complexity, exposing students to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and social media addiction.
According to education technology expert Ms Sarah Masanja, digital platforms are reshaping how children think and behave.
“Without proper guidance, many students struggle to balance their digital lives with their academics and personal growth,” she said.
This makes skilled counsellors even more crucial to help students manage the complexities of the digital world.
The need for career guidance
The absence of counselling services also means that students miss out on vital career guidance.
As the job market evolves, informed advice on emerging careers is necessary to help students make sound decisions for their futures.
Career consultant, Grace Munuo, explained that without proper career counselling, many students make uninformed decisions that limit their opportunities.
The lack of counselling also contributes to concerning behavioural issues, such as students writing inappropriate content during national examinations.
In 2023, 16 Standard Seven students had their results nullified for scribbling offensive remarks on their answer sheets.
This highlights the urgent need for mental health and behaviour intervention.
A mental health expert at Aga Khan University, Dr Stewart Mbelwa, stressed that students face significant stress during critical stages of their education.
He explained that early intervention can prevent long-term academic and personal consequences.
While the Tanzanian government has recognised the importance of counselling, challenges in implementation persist.
Circular No 6 of 2022 emphasises strengthening counselling units, but schools often fail to appoint qualified counsellors, relying on teachers without specialised training.
“We need trained counsellors who can offer professional support, not just teachers with good intentions,” Education officer, Jacob Mushi pointed out.
Experts agree that professionalising school counselling is essential for the holistic development of students.
“Training programs for teachers in counselling techniques are crucial. Schools must also employ certified counsellors who are equipped to handle the growing mental health needs of students,” Dr Mwakalonge argued.
Infrastructure is another significant concern. Ms Masanja emphasised the importance of confidentiality in counselling.
“Counselling must be private and secure. Schools need dedicated spaces where students can feel safe discussing personal issues without fear of judgement.”
Additionally, experts advocate for stricter enforcement of existing policies.
Career consultant Munuo stressed the importance of clear, consistent guidelines for schools:
“Policies are in place, but they need to be consistently enforced to ensure counselling units are adequately staffed and resourced.”
Awareness campaigns are crucial to changing the public perception of counselling.
“Parents, teachers, and students need to understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” Psychologist Anna Kweka from Arusha noted.
This shift in mindset is essential to improving the uptake of counselling services.
Finally, incorporating mental health education into the curriculum is necessary for fostering a supportive school environment.
“Mental health should be taught alongside core subjects like mathematics and science. Students need to understand their emotions and how to manage stress,” a counsellor at Sega Schools in Morogoro, Ms Grace Msele, suggested.
The call for stronger counselling units in Tanzanian schools is clear.
These units are not a luxury but a necessity to address the growing mental health challenges students face.
With coordinated efforts from the government, schools, and all stakeholders, Tanzanian students can receive the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
