TENP Earns Praise For Organizing Training Session For Peer Counsellors

 

Lindah Khamala, TENP peer counselor

By Kelvin Kimoni

As the event comes to an end after a three-day training session held at the Hospitality Institution Management (HIM), the peer counsellors have expressed their gratitude to the administration for organizing such an initiative.

Lindah Khamala, one of the students trained as a peer counsellor, said that she is leaving the HIM hall as a fully equipped counsellor. According to Lindah, the session helped her understand the core values of peer counselling, and she praised both the facilitators and the administration.

"I just want to say thank you to the administration for organizing this event. We have learned a lot since day one, and I also appreciate the good meals provided for us," she said.

One of the key issues emphasized during the session was confidentiality. The Gen Z counsellors were urged not to disclose or share their clients' concerns with others. They were also encouraged to refer clients to more experienced counsellors if they were unable to handle certain cases.

Faith Sang, TENP peer counselor

Faith Chelagat, an applied science student and peer counsellor, assured students that their confidential information would be safe in the hands of counsellors, encouraging them to open up. Faith emphasized that if a case was beyond her capability, she would refer the client to a more experienced counsellor rather than gossiping about it.

"What I can tell them is that they should have confidence in us because we will keep their secrets and not share them with anyone. Confidentiality is key in guidance and counselling," Faith Chelagat said during an interview.

Charity Samoi, TENP peer counselor

However, the counsellors highlighted a major challenge in executing their duties. Charity Samoi, secretary of the polytechnic's peer counselling club, pointed out the need for a designated counselling office. She explained that having a private space for counselling would enhance clients' confidence and encourage them to seek help without fear of embarrassment.

TENP peer councilors in HIM hall during the training session. Photo/Kelvin Kimoni

"What I would like to request froTENP peer councilors in HIM hall during the training session. The administration is an office where clients can feel comfortable, as counselling in an open space may discourage them from speaking freely," said Charity Samoi.

March 01, 2025