Career guidance programmes for Class 11, 12 students go online

The student-related activities of the Career Guidance and Adolescent Counselling Cell of the higher secondary section under the General Education Department in Kerala are being shifted to the virtual platform this year considering the COVID-19 situation.

Every year, the cell conducts career guidance programmes for the students in classes 11 and 12 (Plus One and Plus Two) and organises projects such as friendship clubs, ‘SITAR’, ‘Disha’ and others. 

The first event is Disha 2020 virtual higher studies expo which offers detailed guidance on the major courses conducted by the leading educational institutions in India, application procedures, fees and placement opportunities.

Facilities have also been arranged for school students in Kerala to view various institutions and interact with the faculty and students there till December 10. Students can take part in this progamme through Zoom and the link will be available with the career guides in the respective schools.

Another change is related to the three-day friendly student leaders’ residential training programme. Earlier, one male and female student each was selected from every school for this programme. However, this year, 3,300 students will be given online training over three days during the first week of December.

Similarly, the four-day residential training for selected plus-one students interested in pursuing a career in Civil Services has been modified. In its place, a three-day ‘Pathfinder’ online coaching will start during the second week of December.

Moreover, the ‘SITAR’ programme which identifies students having a talent in cinema, media, design, animation, acting and similar fields is also planned in online mode at the district and state levels this year. However, the national-level programme will be held only after the COVID-19 situation improves.