Govt Schools in UP Introduce Parental Involvement in Career Counseling |
Lucknow: After providing career counselling to students, govt secondary schools across the state will also provide guidance to the parents to help them make informed decisions regarding the job opportunities for their wards.
The department of secondary education and Unicef would jointly provide guidance to parents of students enrolled in classes 9 to 12 in govt schools.
“Often parents are unaware of the new career options, and this creates a problem for children to choose the professions of their choice. Keeping this in mind, the need to involve and engage parents in the career sessions for students was felt and the concept of special parent-teacher meetings (PTMs) was introduced,” said additional state project director, Samagra Shiksha, Vishnu Kant Pandey.
These special PTMs have been introduced from the current academic session.
Chief of field office, Unicef UP, Zakari Adam said: “Children as well as parents are most concerned about their future, especially careers, employability and livelihood. Pankh initiative by the UP govt and Unicef is helping them at the right time – class 9-12, so that they can take well-informed decisions and actions to meet their aspirations and achieve their fullest potential.”
Pankh initiative was started in 2022, as part of which, a portal was developed with detailed career information for students. One nodal teacher from each govt secondary school was also nominated and trained for the same.
Education officer, Unicef, UP Ravi Dayal, said: “Career hubs have been developed in schools in which posters and charts prepared by children have been beautifully displayed. A special session on career guidance is held every Saturday in which various career options are discussed in detail.”
Webinars are hosted from time to time in which dialogue with experts is facilitated for students. PTMs are organised to update parents about new career opportunities. Career fairs too are organised as part of the initiative.
“Since children use their parents’ phone to log in to the career portal, it is important to tell parents about the portal and also motivate them to stay updated to help their children choose the right careers,” said Manish Bhojpuriya, a govt secondary teacher from Gonda.
The department of secondary education, with technical support from Unicef, has developed career cards with detailed information on various careers. The cards have all information regarding the career, the probable colleges that offer that course, fee structures, application procedures, required qualifications and eligibility criteria etc.
“Career guidance empowers students to discover their interests, strengths, and passions, paving the way to their dream careers. Effective guidance is crucial as it equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate their future paths, ensuring they make informed decisions that align with their passions and strengths,” said Pramila Manoharan, education specialist, Unicef, India Country Office.
Besides, psychometric tests are being done for children in four districts – Gonda, Bahraich, Balrampur, and Shravasti as a pilot – to help them identify their interests. Students also prepare a Pankh Diary in which they note down all the information. This is now being upscaled to all districts.
The department of secondary education and Unicef would jointly provide guidance to parents of students enrolled in classes 9 to 12 in govt schools.
“Often parents are unaware of the new career options, and this creates a problem for children to choose the professions of their choice. Keeping this in mind, the need to involve and engage parents in the career sessions for students was felt and the concept of special parent-teacher meetings (PTMs) was introduced,” said additional state project director, Samagra Shiksha, Vishnu Kant Pandey.
These special PTMs have been introduced from the current academic session.
Chief of field office, Unicef UP, Zakari Adam said: “Children as well as parents are most concerned about their future, especially careers, employability and livelihood. Pankh initiative by the UP govt and Unicef is helping them at the right time – class 9-12, so that they can take well-informed decisions and actions to meet their aspirations and achieve their fullest potential.”
Pankh initiative was started in 2022, as part of which, a portal was developed with detailed career information for students. One nodal teacher from each govt secondary school was also nominated and trained for the same.
Education officer, Unicef, UP Ravi Dayal, said: “Career hubs have been developed in schools in which posters and charts prepared by children have been beautifully displayed. A special session on career guidance is held every Saturday in which various career options are discussed in detail.”
Webinars are hosted from time to time in which dialogue with experts is facilitated for students. PTMs are organised to update parents about new career opportunities. Career fairs too are organised as part of the initiative.
“Since children use their parents’ phone to log in to the career portal, it is important to tell parents about the portal and also motivate them to stay updated to help their children choose the right careers,” said Manish Bhojpuriya, a govt secondary teacher from Gonda.
The department of secondary education, with technical support from Unicef, has developed career cards with detailed information on various careers. The cards have all information regarding the career, the probable colleges that offer that course, fee structures, application procedures, required qualifications and eligibility criteria etc.
“Career guidance empowers students to discover their interests, strengths, and passions, paving the way to their dream careers. Effective guidance is crucial as it equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate their future paths, ensuring they make informed decisions that align with their passions and strengths,” said Pramila Manoharan, education specialist, Unicef, India Country Office.
Besides, psychometric tests are being done for children in four districts – Gonda, Bahraich, Balrampur, and Shravasti as a pilot – to help them identify their interests. Students also prepare a Pankh Diary in which they note down all the information. This is now being upscaled to all districts.
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