Mental, psychosocial support for learners and educators

Lany C. Vital

IT’S good to know that before classes formally start on August 24, the Department of Education will be providing mental health and psychosocial support services for learners, teachers and other personnel.

According to the DepEd, this will ensure the provision of mental and psychosocial support services to learners and teachers to help them cope with the impact of COVID19.The services, which will be offered online, will be scheduled during the first week of classes for School Year (SY) 2020-2021.

Just last week, the agency conducted an orientation for regional and school division offices on mental health and psychosocial support services for DepEd personnel.

It was aimed at establishing the importance of mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS) interventions, identify the MHPSS activities of DepEd and provide guidance to local DepEd offices in the implementation of MPHSS activities.

The protection and promotion of the mental health and general welfare of all learners and personnel is among priorities of the agency at this time, in accordance with guidelines on required health standards in basic education.

Discussion and facilitation of modules related to mental health will be conducted, and the establishment of a guidance office in every school to provide basic mental health services to learners and personnel. There will also be counseling services via a hotline in school division offices.

The DepEd said that based on the School Calendar for SY 2020-2021, learners will be provided assignments to explore topics for deepening during the school year prior to the school opening.

There will also be an orientation on the alternative learning delivery modalities and learners’ materials, as well as mental health and psychosocial support activities.

The author is Teacher

III

--oOo-

at Babo Sacan Elementary School