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The project will train 24 young genocide survivors to be peer counsellors so they can provide counselling to 250 genocide orphans, in group and one-to-one counselling sessions. We would also like to provide 6 childcare workers to care for 60 young children whilst their parents attend counselling.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
While the 1994 Rwandan genocide is well known, less understood is the conflict's lingering impact on survivors' mental health & therefore their ability to lead normal lives & support themselves. Many orphans had to raise their younger siblings, some are single mothers-others have been cheated out of their inherited property by distant relatives/strangers. Since Rwandan mental health services are woefully under-resourced, many face lasting trauma, anxiety or depression.Most are living in poverty.
Solution
We will train 24 peer counsellors in trauma counselling. They will be embedded in their communities and will run group counselling for beneficiaries. These sessions will raise awareness of PTSD and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. Peer counsellors will also identify people who need more help and refer them to the project counsellors. Relieving the survivors' anxiety & depression & offering support will equip them with the confidence to return to work and alleviate their poverty.
