Do you think there is a need for a guidance counselor in Islamic schools. I asked a friend of mine who is a teacher in Islamic school whether she has come across students who might need counseling and she told me some girls are actually depressed and even suicidal. Tween and Teen years are hard on kids everywhere but Ive noticed Islamic schools tend to not acknowledge the fact that these children might need some help dealing with the changes inside them. My friend had talked to the principal about having some kind of counselor on board and she was shot down because he said a majority of parents would have issues with this. Personally, I loved my guidance counselor in school and she helped me just by listening to me. Your thoughts??
Re: Counseling in Islamic schools
This is only one of the issues that are faced by students attending Islamic schools.
I wonder if these types of private schools are tasked to meet certain expectations by a governing body?
I remember going to visit with a Career Counselor at my niece's Islamic high school when I found out that she had registered for a high-level maths course. I was extremely disappointed by the response that I received. When the poor woman was unable to answer my direct questions she tried to engage the principal who was less than willing to participate in the meeting and provide clarification.....likely because it had become clear that his counselor had incorrectly guided the child. When I questioned her about her credentials she adamantly/proudly announced that she had been the principal of her own Montessori school in Pakistan. That was it!
That is really unfortunate but due to limited funding, parents, teachers and the staff have to cut back and sometimes a teacher just have to have a degree in any subject to qualify for a teaching position for the sake of attending an islamic school. They are so underfunded and understaffed that they are willing to hire anyone willing to work. They overlook doing background checks and even though the students at an islamic school are pushed harder academically, they sort of miss out overall on the general school experience. Im not talking about all schools and Im sure there are awesome private islamic schools out there.
Re: Counseling in Islamic schools
omg can't believe it's not required!
The issue is students do have issues especially the changes in their daily environment as well as desi parents who think that their children are tackling the same issues they did as kids. The mahaul is soo different but kids are expected to just adjust n change. Parents should demand a counselor by the principal is actually afraid of the hungama the parents will create. Sad nahi??
Re: Counseling in Islamic schools
And I was just having a discussion with someone related to this.I would love mine to attend Islamic school,but something like weekend classes only and would prefer they go to a regular school,instead of exclusive Islamic schooling.The other person actually totally disagreed with me and prefers exclusive Islamic schooling for their kids.Any thoughts on this...??..
But I have heard similar things as Rabia mentioned,about them being with limited funding most of the times.I wonder how true that is.
Re: Counseling in Islamic schools
^Chips adding to your discussion, just moved to Canada and heard from different ppl that they don't want to send their child to Islamic school because the management is Lebanese/Egyptian/Desi and the islam being taught in those schools is what that culture prefers.
Aren't Islamic schools required to have a higher body and also follow some sort of curriculum that is similar to public schools.
I honestly think even public schools need a counsellor for immigrant muslim kids and someone who understands their religion and knows it. I can't imagine what muslim immigrant kids go through especially them battling their muslim, their cultural identity and trying to fit into the new society.
Are there any programs where one can volunteer their time and help such kids or families?
Re: Counseling in Islamic schools
And I was just having a discussion with someone related to this.I would love mine to attend Islamic school,but something like weekend classes only and would prefer they go to a regular school,instead of exclusive Islamic schooling.The other person actually totally disagreed with me and prefers exclusive Islamic schooling for their kids.Any thoughts on this...??..
But I have heard similar things as Rabia mentioned,about them being with limited funding most of the times.I wonder how true that is.
I feel the same way.
I taught at a pluralistic Jewish school for 7 years, and I think the diversity of the ommunity was handled well. And the students knew a lot about their religion and heritage. But I don't think the Muslim community is there yet.
The thing is most desis think counseling and a child's psyche is fazool!!! The only person these parents want inside their children's head is the parent themselves. They do not want any aira ghaira to question their tarbiyat and usool.
Re: Counseling in Islamic schools
^ Nobody wants that. The administrators need to develop a backbone and explain professionally why they will provide counseling services. But they need to believe in it and understand why it is necessary. They should probably start by talking to other community/religious schools that have dealt with the same issue.
I understand how u raise your kids is your business but a counselor is not questioning that and parents need not be threatened by it. I completely agree with u sahar that schools need to take the initiative in making the parents see the positive role of counselor in a students life.
Re: Counseling in Islamic schools
What is the purpose of a counsellor? I never had one at the schools I went to.
I didn't have one in Pakistan either buy having one here made me realize there isn't harm in having one. I'd prefer one because there are issues with teachers and peers and if someone can guide u or make that exp. a little better.. Why not?
Re: Counseling in Islamic schools
Things have changed now. Kids have a lot more distractions and options now than ever before and need proper direction and mentorship. Sometimes a person other than the parent can make a more significant impact. Our community needs to address this instead of relying on old methods of parenting where any issue is either hushed up or treated with sarcasm and guilt trips. I am strongly in favor of counseling for children.
Re: Counseling in Islamic schools
I think there is need for a experienced school counselor and psychologist in every school.
Re: Counseling in Islamic schools
^ Nobody wants that. The administrators need to develop a backbone and explain professionally why they will provide counseling services. But they need to believe in it and understand why it is necessary. They should probably start by talking to other community/religious schools that have dealt with the same issue.
I guess when some of these Islamic schools are already short of finances,they might think a counselor is not needed.I went to school in Pakistan and there was no such concept there.But I agree things are different now and the way I see it I would want my child's school to provide this facility.