As back-to-school preparations intensify: Rights commission urge parents, educators to properly orientate students.

The call is contained in a press release signed by the Chairman of the Commission Prof James Mouangue Kobila. 

In the statement, the CHRC stressed on the critical importance of educational guidance in shaping the future of young people.

According to the CHRC, a staggering proportion of 18-year-olds lack career plans, leading to disorientation, wrong choices, and ultimately, difficulties, drop-outs, and failures, which have severe consequences for families and the nation.

He further said that the mismatch between training and employment is a significant contributor to youth unemployment, resulting from poor or no educational guidance.

The CHRC regretted that most parents and educational institutions do not recognise the importance of guidance professionals in schools, and went on to stress that educational orientation is a shared responsibility between children, parents, and guidance professionals. 

The Commission in the release then urged parents to establish open, in-depth, and constructive dialogue with their children and guidance professionals, as this approach helps verbalise desires, raise awareness of individuality, and develop self-confidence. 

This, the Commission added will better help children decide from an early stage which career path they want to follow.

The Commission also recommended that university rectors ensure that every pre-registration for the 2024/2025 academic year, be preceded by an orientation conducted by a guidance professional.

This measure as stated in the CHRC press release has as aim to provide students with proper guidance, reducing the risk of mismatch between training and employment.

The CHRC press release underscores that by working together, parents, guidance professionals, and educational institutions can ensure that young people receive the support they need.

This, as stated in the release, will help them to make informed decisions about their future, ultimately contributing to the country’s growth and development. 

The Commission concluded by applauding the vital role of guidance counsellors in identifying children’s potentials, and providing them with self-awareness tools that helps them find the best career paths for themselves.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3217 of Monday September 02, 2024