Training on psychological aid for learners

Krisha Fae A. Nunag

AS we are about to start a new school year soon, learners are about to make a major adjustment in their learning journey. These series of adjustments might become very stressful for them, as this health crisis has clearly disrupted their lives.

So in preparation for this, the Department of Education (DepEd) has started conducting online trainings for teachers, school heads and regions and divisions non-teaching personnel on the provision of online Psychological First Aid (PFA).

Through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), DepEd held the training to orient teaching and non-teaching personnel on the content of the self-guided modules for learners using the Supporting, Enabling and Empowering Students (SEES) Manual, supplemental modules, and guidance notes.

The series of training was launched on July 21, 2020 and is set to culminate on July 30, 2020, in line with the pronouncement of DepEd on the provision of psychosocial support services for learners in the upcoming school year.

Held through online streaming where participants are clustered by regional groups, the program includes lessons on Mental Health and Psychological Support Services (MHPSS), Basic PFA Facilitation Skills, rationale and overview of the modules of 2015 SEES Manual, Guidance Notes and Supplemental Modules for online PFA and PFA through self-guided modules for learners.

Among the important reminders given to participants is the contextualization of PFA provisions, including essential modifications on the PFA provisions for students with disabilities, or students who belong to Indigenous Communities or different religious denominations.

Organized by the DRRMS, the training is in coordination with NEAP and the Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS), and in partnership with Psychological Association of the Philippines.

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The author is Administrative Assistant II at DepEd Division of Pampanga