| FAMILY |
Keeping families together
Since 1991, about 1,000 Muslim divorces have been recorded each year. But what is alarming is that the divorce rate is rising. With less than 20 trained counsellors in the community, more trained counsellors are needed to help prevent the break up of families.
Recognising this need, MUIS has launched a training programme with an Islamic framework for para-counsellors. The course, aimed at increasing the pool of para-counsellors began on 23 March and will end in September.
20 Para-Counsellors
With the new training programme, another 20 untrained staff and volunteers from mosques and family service centres will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to assist with cases of marital conflicts and help prevent the incidence of divorce.
Ms Jamaliah Abdul Rahim, Manager of Family Development Department said, "On completion of the course, the participants can use their skills to provide assistance and support to cases of marital problems including those referred by Syariah Court. In light of the Knowledge-Based Economy (KBE), we hope they will upgrade their skills further and eventually become full-fledged counsellors."
The training programme provided by Ms Noraini Ahmad, Head of Counselling Unit, International Islamic University, Malaysia, and Eagles Mediation and Counselling Centre, will present an Islamic framework to the counselling process as a religious element may be present in the marital conflicts. Knowledge of the Syariah Law is also part of the course content which is skill-based.
On-the-job Supervision
After the programme, participants will receive on-the-job supervision at their respective centres. They will be assigned a minimum of 20 cases as an immediate follow-up to their training.
Help for Families
MUIS President Hj Maarof Hj Salleh who launched the Para-Counselling Course said, "It is our common vision to see counselling services by trained professionals available at the doorstep of Muslim families in need. So that anyone in need of advice on how to cope with any family problem can easily go to their neighbourhood mosque or a Muslim organisation and receive expert assistance."WK
What participants say......
"I have gained more knowledge about para-counselling. With this course, I am able to provide better counselling services when helping those with problems. I hope that there will be follow-up training so that I can become a more effective counsellor." - Hj Salleh Mohamed Som, Assyakirin Mosque, Staff member
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