the primary and secondary State schools, he will state the number of psychologists currently providing servi…
(No. B/761) Dr. Ms B. Thannoo (Second Member for Quartier Militaire & Moka) asked the Minister of Education and Human Resource whether, in regard to the primary and secondary State schools, he will state the number of psychologists currently providing services to students thereat, indicating the – (a) number of sessions to which the students are – (i) entitled, and (ii) benefitting, and (b) additional number of psychologists that will be required to ensure provision of professional level services to all needy students in the immediate future.
Madam Speaker, the well-being of all our students remains a top priority for my Ministry. In a world increasingly marked by emotional and psychological challenges, we have an increasing number of students who require support from psychologists. The National Education Counselling Service operating under the purview of my Ministry continues to provide psychological and social support of those students who require such services. In regard to the Primary and Secondary State Schools, I am informed that there are currently 39 educational psychologists providing services to students across the Republic of Mauritius. Psychological support is extended to students with the formal consent of parents or guardians to ensure that the latter are kept informed and are involved at every stage of the support process. With regard to paragraphs (a)(i) and (ii) of the question, I am informed that each student requiring psychological support is entitled to as many sessions as deemed necessary, depending on the severity of the case and the outcome of the professional assessment conducted and during the period January to June 2025, a total of 1,616 students were referred for the first time for psychological support services and a total of 9,207 counselling sessions were carried out. With regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed that an additional 42 educational psychologists would be required to ensure the timely and adequate provision of psychological support to all students in need. However, due to budgetary constraints, provision for their recruitment could not be considered during this present budget.
84 In the meantime, to address the existing shortage, 22 educational social workers are providing essential support services through home visits, case interventions, parental guidance and community outreach. Between January and June 2025, these officers have attended 1,069 new cases and conducted 2,094 home visits but they also conduct sensitisation sessions for students and parents on issues such as child protection, emotional wellbeing, discipline and resilience. Thank you.
Thank you, hon. Minister. Yes, good? The hon. Second Member for Grand Baie and Poudre d’Or, Mr Beejan! BUS ROUTES 21, 227 & 82 – REGULAR & RELIABLE TRANSPORT SERVICES