🤝 Guidance and Counselling

Supporting the academic, emotional, social, and personal development of our learners

Guidance and Counselling at Kuja Special School for the Deaf

Kuja Special School for the Deaf recognizes that guidance and counselling are essential in promoting the academic, emotional, social, and personal development of learners. The school provides guidance and counselling services to help learners overcome challenges, develop positive behaviour, make informed decisions, and achieve their full potential in a safe and supportive environment.

The Guidance and Counselling Department works closely with the school administration, teachers, parents, caregivers, and other professionals to address the diverse needs of learners, including those with hearing impairment and learners with multiple disabilities. Counselling services are delivered using appropriate communication methods such as Kenya Sign Language (KSL), visual aids, demonstrations, and other learner-centred approaches to ensure that all learners can participate effectively.

The department is responsible for:

  • Providing individual and group counselling sessions.
  • Promoting positive discipline and good behaviour.
  • Offering career guidance and educational counselling.
  • Supporting learners experiencing emotional, social, or academic challenges.
  • Providing psychosocial support to learners affected by family or personal difficulties.
  • Guiding learners on life skills, self-esteem, personal hygiene, and healthy relationships.
  • Conducting awareness programmes on child protection, gender issues, substance abuse prevention, and mental well-being.
  • Collaborating with parents, guardians, health professionals, and other stakeholders to support learners' holistic development.
  • Identifying learners who require specialized intervention and making appropriate referrals where necessary.

The department also organizes talks, mentorship programmes, peer counselling activities, and guidance sessions that help learners develop confidence, leadership skills, responsibility, and resilience. Through these programmes, learners are encouraged to make responsible choices and become productive members of society.

✅ Strengths (Good Aspects)

  • Dedicated Guidance and Counselling Department.
  • Supportive school administration and teaching staff.
  • Use of Kenya Sign Language and visual communication to enhance accessibility.
  • Strong collaboration with parents and guardians.
  • Regular guidance on life skills, discipline, and personal development.
  • A safe, caring, and inclusive school environment that promotes learners' well-being.

⚠️ Challenges (Areas for Improvement)

  • Need for more trained counsellors specializing in special needs education.
  • Limited counselling resources and reference materials.
  • Need for increased mental health awareness programmes.
  • Need for additional partnerships with health facilities and professional counsellors.
  • Continued capacity building for teachers on psychosocial support and counselling skills.

Our Counselling Team

Dedicated professionals committed to learner well-being

Head of Guidance & Counselling

Tr. Jane Akinyi

Head of Guidance & Counselling

Certified Counsellor 10 years experience
KSL Fluent Special Needs Specialist
Counsellor

Mr. Peter Ouma

Counsellor

Guidance & Counselling 7 years experience
KSL Fluent Group Counselling
Counsellor

Ms. Mary Atieno

Counsellor

Child Psychology 5 years experience
KSL Fluent Child Protection

Our Counselling Services

Individual Counselling

One-on-one sessions to address personal, emotional, or academic challenges in a confidential and supportive environment.

Group Counselling

Group sessions that provide peer support, shared experiences, and collective problem-solving for learners facing similar challenges.

Career Guidance

Helping learners identify their strengths, interests, and career pathways to make informed decisions about their future.

Psychosocial Support

Supporting learners affected by trauma, loss, family difficulties, or other challenges that impact their well-being.

Life Skills Training

Equipping learners with essential life skills including communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and self-esteem.

Mentorship Programmes

Connecting learners with mentors who guide, inspire, and support their personal and academic development.

📢 A Message from the Head of Guidance & Counselling

At Kuja Special School for the Deaf, we believe that every learner deserves to feel heard, valued, and supported. Our Guidance and Counselling Department is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where learners can express themselves freely and receive the guidance they need to navigate life's challenges.

We understand that learners with hearing impairment and multiple disabilities face unique challenges that require specialized support. Our counsellors are trained in Kenya Sign Language and use visual, learner-centred approaches to ensure effective communication and meaningful support.

I encourage all learners, parents, and guardians to reach out to our counselling team whenever they need support. Whether it's academic guidance, emotional support, or career advice, we are here to help. Together, we can build a school community where every learner thrives.

Tr. Jane Akinyi Head of Guidance & Counselling, Kuja Special School for the Deaf