BY TSABEDZE KWANELE
MANZINI – The Eswatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA), is hosting a workshop to train teachers on how to provide mental first aid and psychosocial to learners.
Speaking during the training today, SWAGAA Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini revealed that, “We are hoping that at the end of this workshop, you will be able to acquire skills that will help you to provide some kind of first aid to these children before you could actually refer them – because teachers are often in contact with the children most of the time and they are also able to identify some of these problem.”
She added that, “it is your responsibility to identify these cases as teachers because you are with the children most of the time. And then, also assist them while you refer them for counselling.”
She also pointed out that the Ministry of Education reports that 1,760 students did not return to school post-COVID-19 due to teenage pregnancies – an issue which requires mental and psychosocial support for at-risk learners.
Fezile Khumalo, a teacher from Evelyn Baring High School expressed that they are grateful of getting more training on how to help students psychologically. Khumalo noted that, “We’re from a very difficult time as teachers and learners. They’ve seen a lot through COVID and the political unrest. Our kids have seen a lot of violence as well as lose friends and people whom they leave with in their homes. So, we’re grateful to get these skills on how to help learners deal with the trauma.”
Mhlatane High School teacher, Bongani Bhembe echoed the same sentiment, highlighting that sometimes the situations which learners face make it difficult for learnes to concentrate and for teachers to connect with the learner.
