Book and Book Chapters

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    Volunteer Counseling Services in the Context of COVID-19: Compromises and Challenges
    (IntechOpen, 2021) Kabunga, Amir; Eze, Chika; Selepe, Mandu
    The outbreak of COVID-19 necessitated professional trained psychologists to offer voluntary services leading to online paradigm of counseling intervention. This chapter presents the challenges and compromises some counselors encountered when they assisted individuals who were either infected or affected by COVID-19. The chapter also presented the narratives collected from social media, personal experiences of the authors and communications with their colleagues from Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda. It was realized that counselors faced challenges such as lack of experience, poor internet availability, threatened clients’ perceived privacy and data security and financial implications. Based on the challenges and compromises, the authors recommended counseling regulatory bodies within African countries should generate operative policies to guide provision of e-counseling services. It was also recommended that e-counseling be integrated into its curriculum in order to adequately prepare the student counselors to be effective and efficient e-counselors. The chapter recommended that policy makers of counseling bodies liaison with network providers in alliance with government to negotiate a sustainable service provision, which ought to facilitate telepsychology. The chapter concluded that the COVID-19 counselors are charged with the responsibility of integrating traditional counseling approaches with telepsychology in order to provide relevant services to the clients who need their services.
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    Enhancing Mental Health Counseling for Education Professionals in Africa: Addressing Unique Needs and Improving Outcomes
    (B P International, 2024) Kabunga, Amir; Nalwoga, Viola; Kigongo, Eustes; Anyolitho, Maxson Kenneth; Musinguzi, Marvin; Okalo, Ponsiano; Shikanga, Enos Mwirotsi
    In the vibrant and varied educational landscapes of Africa, the voices of resilience, dedication, and passion often overshadow the quieter, yet significant, struggles faced by those who shape our future: the education professionals. As we delve into “Enhancing Mental Health Counseling for Education Professionals in Africa: Addressing Unique Needs and Improving Outcomes,” we approach this endeavor with profound respect and commitment to the well-being of those who nurture the minds of tomorrow. Education professionals hold a critical role in shaping both the intellectual and emotional development of the next generation. Their unwavering commitment to education lays the groundwork for a better future. However, in the pursuit of academic excellence, their own mental health often remains neglected. This book aims to shed light on the critical intersection of mental health and education, specifically addressing the unique challenges encountered by educators across the diverse African continent. Throughout these pages, we delve into the cultural and contextual factors that influence the experiences of education professionals in Africa. We emphasize that the well-being of educators is intrinsically linked to the health and effectiveness of the educational systems they support. By examining mental health counseling as a transformative tool, we highlight its potential to build resilience, promote self-care, and enhance overall professional satisfaction. This book is more than an academic exploration; it is a call to action. We urge educational institutions, policymakers, and communities to prioritize the mental health of their educators. We advocate for a shift in perspective, encouraging the creation of environments where seeking mental health support is seen not as a weakness but as a reflection of the strength and dedication inherent in the teaching profession. As we address the nuanced issues of mental health counseling tailored to the African educational context, we hope this book will serve as a comprehensive guide, a source of inspiration, and a catalyst for positive change. It is our aspiration that this work will elevate the conversation around the mental well-being of education professionals and place it at the center of educational discourse. In our shared quest for educational excellence, let us remember that the well-being of those who facilitate learning is a fundamental pillar. Together, let us embark on a transformative journey to create nurturing and supportive environments for the individuals who are shaping the minds of the future. Keywords: Mental health counseling, education professionals, Africa, cultural sensitivity, resilience in education, and traditional practices in counseling