The Current Status of Training of Teacher-Counsellors in Grief Counselling in Public Secondary Schools in Kisii County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the current status of training of teacher-counsellors in grief counselling in public secondary schools in Kisii County. A mixed methods research design, specifically, a parallel convergent mixed research design was utilized. The sample composed of 181 obtained based on Krejie and Morgan Table. The respondents were selected through stratified, purposive and simple random sampling. Data was obtained through a standard questionnaire and interview guide prepared by the researcher. Analysis of data was done through simple univariate statistics and themes. The findings revealed that though teacher-counsellors offered grief counselling in various public secondary schools in Kisii County, the majority (93.4%) had no formal training in grief counselling.63.5% had not attended any grief counselling related training after appointment as Head of Department of guidance and counselling. The 35% who had some post-appointment training was through workshops and seminars. Only 21% of those who had attended the seminars or workshops rated them as satisfactory. All (100%) the respondents felt that there is need for teacher-counsellors to train in grief counselling. The study recommended that teacher-counsellors undergo regular and programmed training in grief counselling to facilitate their competence in this area.