Twenty-five counsellors attended representing twelve different countries within the CEESA network of international schools.  During the first two days, counsellors focused on developing child protection protocols and policies within their schools. 

The trainers for these sessions included Lois Engelbrecht, Social Worker, and Dennis Larkin, School Director, from Lincoln Community School in Ghana.  Both have worked with the Association of International Schools in Africa to develop a child protection handbook that is used in international schools across that continent. 

AISA’s handbook is held as the exemplar for international schools around the world developing child protection policies. Additionally, Jordan Greenbaum, MD spoke with the counsellors about identifying abuse, conducting forensic interviews, handling disclosures, and the best ways to support our children.  On the last day of the conference, counsellors spent time learning from each other about best practices and their particular counselling programs.

This conference serves as a vehicle for creating a stronger counsellor’s network within CEESA, which will further support all of our students.