Guidance and Counselling Through the Teaching of Life Orientation

Abstract

The education system in South Africa is exacerbated with challenges that influence the effective teaching and learning in school, for example, discipline, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, low self-esteem, lack of positive role models, peer pressure, poor study habits, poverty, etc. Guidance and counselling nurture learners to make informed decisions and about life and this deepens learners' self-knowledge, beliefs, interests, etc. Since the dawn of democratic government in South Africa, guidance was phased out in schools and replaced with Life Orientation (LO). LO as a compulsory subject focuses on self in relation to others and society. It addresses skills, knowledge, and values for people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, involved in solving problems and make informed decisions. The teaching LO in schools prepares and empowers learners to become responsible citizens. The chapter aims to help LO teachers to understand the key role of LO in schools, in the midst of the challenges.