Solomons Trauma Support Project

Trauma Support Project

Trauma Support Project
- Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Director Catholic Communications Solomons

Solomon Islands is emerging from the recent ethnic tension that has left several persons traumatized by violence, destruction and fear. "It has reached its lowest and most challenging time", states Bernard Garo, Parish Coordinator at St. Mary's Parish, Tanagai. As it limps back to its original 'Hapi Isles' it needs a multi pronged approach. A trauma support group is one of them.

"I am indeed the 'lucky one' chosen for this programme and am definite that it will help me, youth, individuals and families in dealing with the problems of my parishioners", states Fr. Jack Aitorea, Anglican Pastor at Vura. " My grateful thanks to all".

"I now have the tools to help the prisoners traumatized during the last 4 years", states Gibson Ado, from the Prison Service.

"New Ideas, approaches and techniques have given me an opportunity to examine the way I function as a Trauma support worker. I realize that body language, words and tone matter much" states Sandra Ollie Porana.

12 participants at Don Bosco House of Prayer, Kola Ridge continue preparations as Trainers for the Trauma Support Workers Training Project. The programme commenced on 19th January and will conclude on 27th January, 2004. It has been financed by Caritas Australia and supported by the Archdiocese of Honiara. It aims to train people who will train local community participants as trauma support workers form the weather coast of Guadalcanal. Listening skills, techniques on questioning and how to read person's feelings through body language have been much appreciated by the participants.

Clinical Psychologists Patrick Rasmussen and his wife Bernice are indeed happy with the progress of the participants - who have valuable insights into their persons. There is the need to encourage and support these people and hence they will be here in Solomon Islands over the next 3 to 4 years as the programme unfolds. "It is hoped that local people will be trained to understand and respond to the needs of those still suffering as a result of the tension". The project is but a small step towards the healing of Solomon Islands.

N.B.: Photographs can be sent

Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons, P.O.Box 647, Honiara, Solomon Islands Tel: 677-36222/22125 Fax: 677-36333 E-mail: ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; Web page: http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika-main.htm

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