Garlandale High School alumni create a safe space for student counselling

Garlandale High School in Athlone on Saturday, July 26, has officially received a new counselling room – a project initiated by the school’s alumni.

The Garlandale High Alumni Association, in collaboration with the Class of ’91, have taken it upon themselves to transform the school library into a counselling room designed to support pupils facing emotional and social challenges. The space features a sitting area, a pupil’s corner, and a library filled with books.

Teacher Dawn Crowie, who envisioned the need for such a room, said the space aims to help retain dedicated and talented pupils who may be struggling with severe financial difficulties at home.

“Punishment has been done wrong. I always tell them if they have a perfect life, if they have hope in life, they will achieve more,” she said. “Many of our learners come from backgrounds and communities where there are few role models. The role models we see are not the ones we want. The room is going to touch a lot of learners.”

Ms Crowie said she had long hoped for a safe space for learners, and when the alumni approached her, she shared her vision. “I could have said, ‘cut the grass’ or ‘give us a party after a lot of work.’ But I said the children want hope. They need hope. Let’s have a room where they can find a safe space. Let us give them hope. It will increase self-confidence.

"My hope is that this room will bring hope to them. This is the best idea. I obviously thank the alumni,” she said.

Although preparations for the project began in 2019, progress was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. A team of seven, led by Jeremy Basson, recently resumed and completed the conversion.

Acting principal Bradley Koen said he hoped the “green room” would help address rising cases of depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma among learners and parents.

“Gratitude should go to the alumni for such wonderful work. When I look at this room, I see caring, love, pride, and passion, which is greatly appreciated. Our children need this environment. The room is here to serve as a space for healing,” he said.

Mr Koen added that non-governmental organisations such as Rape Crisis, Life Choices, and Hope Africa would work with learners in the space. “Our children will have the tools they need to develop resilience against negative influences,” he said.

Volunteer Jeremy Basson acknowledged that the transformation had its challenges, but praised the team for their perseverance. “We saw a lot of potential in the room,” he said.

Melody Green of the Class of ’91 added that the need for proper student counselling was clear. “Facilitators should counsel pupils in a better space rather than in the sick bay,” she said.