Psychosocial intervention in Nepal
GAN in partnership with Children and War Foundation
Kathmandu – 05/08/2015 – Author: Andre Carrondo
Contents
Summary 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 25th 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
Photos from second training
Global Action Nepal - project documents: information may be used freely but please quote Global Action Nepal (www.nepalaction.global)
4