Role of Guidance & Counselling in Psycho-Social Adjustment of Orphans

Orphans face social and psychological challenges in adjustment to daily life. These challenges affect learning process and interpersonal relationships. The study examined role of guidance and counselling services in psychosocial adjustment of orphaned pupils in primary schools in Bahati, Nakuru Kenya. The study employed survey research. Accessible population was 514 orphans and sample included 220 orphans from 10 schools. Reliability of study instruments was 0.7 Cronbach's Alpha. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics with aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS); version 17.0 for windows. Study indicated that majority of teacher counselors had challenges in helping orphans adjust appropriately. Professional qualifications of teacher counsellors were inadequate for handling complicated pupils' psychosocial problems and few orphans benefited from counselling services offered at schools. Study recommended professional counsellors involvement with issues affecting pupils in schools. Guidance and counselling services needed strengthening and there required needs assessment in order to design relevant and efficient guidance and counseling services in schools.