Rural students get direction through college counselling
Counselling at every stage and in every field can make a significant difference. However, in the case of rural students—many of whom are indecisive and unable to make a definite choice regarding their career paths after completing school—counselling has proven to work wonders.
A topper from a government school at Bhairomunna village in Sahnewal, shared her experience on the condition of anonymity. “My parents were not willing to send me for higher studies after school due to social inhibitions and financial constraints. But when the teachers of a local college visited our village and convinced my parents regarding transportation and financial assistance, my father allowed me to go ahead,” she said.
Dr Sarvjeet Kaur Brar, Principal of GNNC Doraha, stated, “Most of the students at secondary and senior secondary stages are still undecided as far as their future course of studies is concerned. They unthinkingly follow their peers, which may lead them nowhere. Goals have to be set at the very outset; otherwise, the children give up midway. Our faculty makes it a point to guide and counsel not only the admission seekers but their parents as well, who are generally not in a position to send their children—especially girls—for further studies.”
Dr Agam Tiwana, head of the Department of History at Mata Ganga Khalsa College, Manji Sahib Kottan, added, “As the students of Class 10 and 12 pass out from school, we educate them about the options they can consider. We also assist them in choosing a good affiliated and recognised institution. A number of unauthorised academies and teaching shops mushrooming around the area dupe such students with attractive offers. They illegally take possession of their original documents and, if the students decide to leave, blackmail them and refuse to return their documents.”
“Many a time, societal inhibitions become a taboo for girls in particular and restrict them from proving their mettle. The parents, who in most cases opt to discontinue their wards’ education, are exhorted to allow them to pursue higher studies through door-to-door counselling and guidance,” explained Dr Ajit Kaur, Principal of Ramgarhia Girls College, Ludhiana.
Harpratap Brar, president of Guru Nanak Managing Board, stated that the college makes special efforts to admit rural students, especially girls from villages, who might otherwise be deprived of education due to financial or social barriers. “We have specially deployed our staff for door-to-door counselling of such students and their parents. Hostel facilities have been made available for girls who may otherwise find it difficult to secure college admission. The college also offers special concessions to sportspersons and those with talent in cultural and co-curricular activities. No student is denied admission due to financial constraints,” he added.
“The college tries to help such children, who are at a decisive stage, through counselling and regular advertisements. They thus become aware of the different streams and can make an informed choice. For guidance, we also have a dedicated counselling cell in the college,” he concluded.
