Muhammadiyah Ogan Ilir Educates on Progressive Guidance and Counseling

The Guidance and Counseling (BK) room in schools is often perceived negatively, seen as a place for judgment or a school police post that only summons troubled students. This outdated myth significantly hinders the implementation of effective BK programs. Muhammadiyah Ogan Ilir is working to change this perception by educating students and teachers, aiming for BK rooms to become welcoming spaces that foster a healthy and progressive school ecosystem.

The core of this initiative lies in the role of BK teachers. They are urged to adopt a new perspective, embracing modern counseling techniques and aligning them with Muhammadiyah's educational philosophy of "Pendidikan Berkemajuan" (Progressive Education). This philosophy, rooted in the teachings of KH. Ahmad Dahlan, emphasizes humanization and liberation from ignorance and backwardness. BK is not about punishment; it is about helping students reach their full potential. Its function is primarily preventive and developmental, not merely curative. When BK is used as a tool for punishment, its role as a safe haven for students is destroyed, contradicting Muhammadiyah's vision.

KH. Ahmad Dahlan's emphasis on the Al-Ma'un letter, urging the wealthy to help the poor, can be linked to the strategic role of BK teachers as "Compasses of Progressive Education." This aligns with the concept of Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling, which advocates for full integration of guidance programs into the school curriculum to support academic, career, and personal-social development for all students. The Pedoman Hidup Islami Warga Muhammadiyah (PHIWM) stresses the importance of Islamic thinking that integrates spiritual and social responsibilities, promoting human welfare through wise and ethical conduct. Therefore, portraying BK teachers as intimidating figures who administer judgment is counterproductive and moves schools away from these noble values. The BK room should be a center for guidance services, not a place of fear.