Psychosocial intervention in Nepal

GAN in partnership with Children and War Foundation

Kathmandu – 05/08/2015 – Author: Andre Carrondo

ContentsSummary written report..........................................................................................2

Photos from first training.........................................................................................3

Photos from second training....................................................................................4

Global Action Nepal - project documents: information may be used freely but please quote Global Action Nepal (www.nepalaction.global)1

Summary written report

Nepal has suffered two major earthquakes this year on the 25 th of April and on the 12th of May, and since the first quake there have been more than 350 tremors registering at least 4 on the Richter scale. GAN works in many districts of Nepal that were heavily affected by the earthquake, such as Kavre, Solukhumbu, Kathmandu, Laliptur and Lamjung. In these districts, a high percentage of school buildings have either been destroyed or damaged to such an extent that they cannot be used. Besides the structural and human losses, a significant percentage of those that have survived are now suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Evidence shows that in a post-disaster situation, the ‘normal’ act of going to school and having something to focus on can help children deal with the trauma experienced, and also frees up parents’ time to deal with the aftermath. However, returning to normal life can be challenging if children, teachers and parents experience the effects of PTSD. As a response to this, GAN has partnered up with Children and War Foundation to provide support in dealing with PTSD.

During the month of July, Unni Heltne from Children and War Foundation provided Psychosocial training to GAN staff, Youth Volunteers and partner organisations. This foundation has many years’ experience in post-crisis scenarios on how to help children deal with trauma, and has trained teams all over the world on how to use a simple and effective three stage approach, namely 'intrusion, 'arousal' and 'avoidance'. Although this training focuses specifically on children, it can also be adapted for adults.

To this point, two types of training were provided to two different groups. The first training, which concentrated on children, covered the full 3 stage method that was spread across 5 sessions. It involved full on teaching by 30 members of GAN staff and partner organisations, who provided the required knowledge and tools not only to deploy this method, but also to teach others how to use it. The training was conducted on the 18th and 19th of July and it included theory presentations, group exercises, role plays and practical experiences. It also counted with the extra support from Kamal Chowdhury, a Psychologist from Bangladesh, who has worked in partnership with Children and War Foundation for many years, and has a greater understanding of the local culture.

The second training took place on the 28th and 29th of July, and was given by Unni and 3 members of GAN who have received the initial training. It was offered to the 30 Youth Volunteers who have been receiving multiple training sessions as their preparation for a 6 month deployment to 5 of the most earthquake affected districts. This training focused on a simplified approach in aiding children to relax and deal with bad memories and bad dreams. It also concentrated on how to identify and refer children with more severe traumas to professionals. As a result, this training enables the Youth Volunteers to transfer their expertise to teachers, parents and local volunteers; as well as preparing them to deal directly with children in need of help. A similar method of training was used for this situation that included theory presentations, group exercises, role plays and practical experience.

With the first two stages of training now complete, the next steps are to spread the knowledge throughout Nepal and start providing support to children, teachers and parents in need. This will happen within the next 3 to 6 months and shall be evaluated after that period.

Global Action Nepal - project documents: information may be used freely but please quote Global Action Nepal (www.nepalaction.global)2

Photos from first training

Global Action Nepal - project documents: information may be used freely but please quote Global Action Nepal (www.nepalaction.global)3

Global Action Nepal - project documents: information may be used freely but please quote Global Action Nepal (www.nepalaction.global)4

Photos from second training

Global Action Nepal - project documents: information may be used freely but please quote Global Action Nepal (www.nepalaction.global)5