Beneficiaries; satisfaction with the School Counselling Services in Namibia

a case study of a selected region

Abstract

The study investigated the education stakeholders’ (beneficiaries’) satisfaction with the school counselling services provided to them and their families. The study employed a mixed methods approach, hence both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. The population studied consisted of 288 learners, 142 principals, 68 teacher-counsellors and five parents from schools in Ohangwena region. Questionnaires and interviews (in-depth individual one-on-one semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions) were used to gather data. Quantitative data were analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data were analysed by the use of themes and coding. The study revealed that the beneficiaries were satisfied with the educational, personal/social, and career services, but were dissatisfied with consultation and referral services. It also emerged from the study that parents felt left out and not well enlightened on the value of school counselling services. Therefore, it is recommended that teacher-counsellors regularly hold awareness raising activities on school counselling services to educate parents and other stakeholders on the significance of these services and advocate for the needs of all learners.