Counselling Training Delivered Directly to Teachers in Oro Province for the First Time
KTF’s Sanap Strong initiative is advancing gender equity, well-being and the prevention of gender-based violence across schools and communities in Oro Province. Through a partnership with the National Department of Education (NDoE) Guidance and Counselling Division, Sanap Strong delivered a landmark training in Oro Province, setting a national precedent for collaboration between the education and social welfare sectors. By delivering counselling training directly to teachers, this initiative aims to strengthen gender-based violence prevention and response in schools.
The intensive 2-week counselling training - the first of its kind for the Province - delivered critical counselling skills, knowledge and strategies to 24 teachers, representing each district of Oro Province and benefiting schools that educate over 13,000 students.
The course was facilitated by Mr Philip So’on, First Assistant Secretary for the Guidance and Counselling Division within the NDoE, and other experienced trainers. Strong support from Mr Allan Jim, Assistant Secretary for the Guidance and Counselling Division within the NDoE, and the Oro Provincial Education Advisor, Mr Maino Vegoli, demonstrates the high-level commitment to integrating counselling into the school system.
Mr Allan Jim, shared ‘I would like to thank KTF for their support in supporting this training in Oro. The Counselling Training equipped teachers to be in a better position to counsel students and upskill in the different stages of counselling and the counselling process, to referral pathways of cases and the Behaviour Management Policy. The teachers are also equipped to understand and identify students' problems and assist students in finding solutions.’
Over two weeks, participants developed practical skills in crisis response, emotional support, and referral mechanisms for students and community members experiencing distress or violence. The teachers trained through this initiative are now recognised as an essential part of Oro Province’s referral pathways for people escaping violence, helping to bridge the gap between education services and community protection systems.
KTF CEO, Dr Genevieve Nelson, emphasised the importance of this collaboration, ‘Schools are at the heart of every community and home to one of our most vulnerable populations. It’s essential that they are connected with social welfare, protection, and support services. By equipping teachers across the province with counselling skills, we’re empowering frontline professionals within the community to better prevent and respond to violence.’
Participant surveys highlighted the effectiveness of the course, with 85% of participants strongly agreeing that the workshop improved a range of outcomes, including:
Improved knowledge and understanding of trauma and guided skills for effective communication.
Improved ability to support students through challenges in development and trauma, using counselling cards and guided conversations.
Improved understanding of duty of care, including how to empathise, engage with students, listen, and provide support for the well-being of students.
The training’s closing ceremony was attended by the Honourable Gary Juffa, Governor of Oro Province, who recommitted the government's support of integrating counselling services to schools and expressed his deep gratitude for the trainers and teachers who are showcasing their dedication to contributing to Papua New Guinea.
Through strong cross-sector partnerships, we can unite the goals of education and social welfare to better support communities. By integrating violence prevention and response strategies, Sanap Strong is embedding a zero-tolerance approach - sparking an attitude shift that extends beyond the classroom and into communities. This long-term change will help build safer, more supportive environments where everyone can thrive.