Social Worker Mr. Steve Matu

What a social worker does in Nakuru Counseling and Training Institute?

I have earlier explained in Finnish some basic facts about the school system in Kenya. In Finland we do not have any private or boarding schools, only public schools. That is why I try to give to the Finnish readers some ideas about how a boarding school in Kenya is operating.

Here social worker Mr. Steve Matu tells about his work.

Steve Matu

Our main attention in this department is primarily guidance and counseling to ensure that we mould an all rounded generation from this institution. In this regard we endeavor to ensure that those students who are admitted at the center undergo spiritual guidance, social and moral guidance and also some psychological counseling. In so doing we ensure that they do not conform to what a majority of youths in the y society are doing like affiliating to anti social groups.

The department conducts interviews to the students on admission with an aim to orient and motivate them to the right path. More so the social worker/ counselor conducts home visits and counseling at the homes of our students to establish their background hence helping us handle our students more appropriately and efficiently.

The department strengthens the capacity as well as counsel the youths during their trainings and those in Secondary schools. This is achieved through individual and well organized group counseling sessions ranging from emotional, social and behavioral problems. We also organize workshops for both students and staff; this is facilitated by invited guests who are normally experts in respective fields. Issues we embark upon include:

- Drugs  and substance abuse counseling  

-  HIV/AIDS Counseling

-  Life skills & self awareness

-  Youth guidance and counseling

-  Psychological counseling

- Gender and legal clinics

-  Personality Development among others

More so we ensure that Christian morals are adhered to and a Christianity foundation is emphasized through our daily devotions Bible Studies and Sunday services. 

The department counsels and supports the graduated youths so that they can be able to venture into their own businesses given that unemployment is so rampant and also have a competitive edge in the job market. In regard to this we have a revolving fund granted to the graduates on request to enable them to start the businesses.

 In conjunction with the administration and other medical professionals the organization through this department organizes free medical clinics in order to give back to the society and also assist the less fortunate. 

      
I asked Mr. Steve what kinds of matters give him the greatest joy in his work. He answered: "Interacting with young people. Directing them on the ways of knowing their purpose."
Another question was about the issues giving most stress: "Dealing with the youths who are impatient. Many of the youths want to complete their studies today, start working today, maybe start a family today. To me life is like a ladder, you have to start from the bottom and step by step go up."

Contact Mr. Steve: social@ncti.ac.ke.