Evaluating the Implementation Levels of Guidance and Counselling Programme in Secondary Schools: A Case of Selected Secondary Schools in Solwezi District, Zambia

This study evaluated the implementation of guidance and counselling programmes in selected secondary schools in Solwezi District. The objectives were to assess the availability of guidance and counselling services and teachers, identify challenges affecting programme implementation, and suggest strategies for improving counselling services in schools. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving 120 respondents from four selected secondary schools. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using frequencies and percentages for quantitative data as well as themes for qualitative data. The findings showed that guidance and counselling programmes were available in most schools, although implementation remained moderate. The study revealed that the major challenge was the shortage of trained and specialised counsellors, which negatively affected effective service delivery. Other challenges included inadequate counselling materials and facilities, heavy teacher workload, limited funding and administrative support, and negative learner attitudes towards counselling due to fear of stigma. Despite these difficulties, respondents indicated that guidance and counselling programmes contributed positively to improving learner discipline and decision-making skills. The study further established variations among schools in the availability of guidance and counselling teachers, with some schools having more personnel than others. To improve programme implementation, respondents recommended training and recruiting specialised guidance and counselling teachers, providing adequate counselling materials and private offices, reducing teacher workload, increasing funding and administrative support, and sensitising learners on the importance of counselling services. The study concluded that although guidance and counselling programmes existed in secondary schools in Solwezi District, their effectiveness was limited by inadequate personnel, insufficient resources, and weak institutional support. The study recommended strengthening counselling services through increased training, resource provision, funding, and learner awareness programmes.