Andrea Vassell-Miller - Elgin Taylor photo

The job of school guidance counsellor is a very difficult and demanding one. However, it can be made easier if the person involved is one who has an endearing personality, is motivated and possesses the requisite expertise to go along with the job.

The Star recently spoke with such an individual who exhibits these qualities, Andrea Vassell-Miller, guidance counsellor at Garlogie Primary and Junior High School in Clarendon.

"Yes, I realise that there are a lot of challenges. In my case, it is mainly because of the large number of young parents whose children attend the school. However, I have been conducting parenting workshops with them and it is reaping success," she stated.

She mentioned that she has received assistance from the Manchester Health Department which offered workshops for the parents on the subject of safe sex measures.

financial issue

The school itself is located in the poor farming community of Banana Ground in upper Clarendon, in proximity to Bellfield on the Manchester border. She said the financial status of the residents poses a problem, as some of them are unable to purchase uniforms and other necessities for their children. She mentioned Maxi Department Store and an accountant at Mount St Joseph's Preparatory School, who assisted with the purchasing of uniforms. Sponsorship also came from Sagicor Jamaica Ltd.

Vassell-Miller revealed that, notwithstanding the conditions, the teachers are highly motivated and relate to the students on an individual basis. They are committed to identifying the learning styles of the students and to catering for their individual needs. The students and parents have been exposed to several areas of expertise, including the Red Cross and Bashy Bus, the performance arm of Children First.

She spoke of the improvements she observed in the behaviour of the students of late. She said there are less fights and they seemed more focused on their lessons. She, however, noted that her job still entails a fair number of referrals, especially to Mico Care Centre, the Child Guidance Clinic and the Child Development Agency (CDA).

Trained at the Northern Carib-bean University in Mandeville, Manchester and St Mary's University of Minnesota, USA, she holds a bachelor of science degree in guidance and counselling, and a master's in education, respectively from these institutions. She joined the staff at Garlogie in September 2007, but left for eight months for Coley Mountain Primary, as her appointment was temporary.

She said her decision to become a guidance counsellor stems from her "love for children and the fact that many of them were being abused."