Spillage of Akosombo Dam: The Traumatized School-going Children Need These Components of Effective Treatment – William Boadi, EAI

Spillage of Akosombo Dam: The Traumatized school-going children need these components of effective treatment – William Boadi, EAI

Educate Africa Institute (EAI) is empathizing with the people in the affected areas. Honestly, this is an artificial disaster caused by some comfortable but sleepy people in positions.

Thespillage has forced many communities in the north, south, and Central Tongu districts of the Volta Region to evacuate, leaving them with no choice but to try and salvage what’s left of their belongings. The school-going children are traumatized and others are facing some kind of emotional adversities.

After a disaster, many students may experience trauma and require support to help them recover and cope with their experiences. The best treatment for traumatized students after a disaster typically involves a comprehensive approach that addresses their emotional, psychological, and social needs. Here are some key components of effective treatment:

1. Safety and stabilization: Ensuring the immediate safety of traumatized students is crucial. Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment where students feel secure. This may involve temporarily relocating to a different school or setting up safe spaces within the existing school.
2. Psychological first aid: Implement psychological first aid techniques to help students manage their immediate distress. This may involve providing comfort, reassurance, and practical assistance, and helping them understand their reactions to the traumatic event.
3. Individual and group counseling: Offer individual counseling sessions with trained mental health professionals who specialize in trauma. This allows students to process their emotions, discuss their experiences, and develop coping strategies. Group counseling can also be beneficial, as it provides peer support and a sense of community.
4. Trauma-focused therapies: Evidence-based therapies such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have shown effectiveness in treating trauma in children and adolescents. These therapies help students process and reframe traumatic memories, manage distressing symptoms, and develop healthy coping skills.
5. Supportive school environment: Create a supportive and nurturing school environment that promotes resilience and healing. Implement strategies such as trauma-informed care, which involves training educators and staff to understand the impact of trauma and respond sensitively to students’ needs. Encourage open communication, provide opportunities for self-expression through art or writing, and establish routines to promote a sense of normalcy.
6. Collaborative partnerships: Collaborate with community organizations, mental health professionals, and local agencies to provide comprehensive support to traumatized students. This may involve accessing additional resources, such as trauma-informed yoga or mindfulness programs, art therapy, or support groups.
7. Family involvement: Engage families in the treatment process by providing them with information, resources, and support. Encourage open communication between families, students, and school staff. Offer parent education sessions on trauma and its impact on children, and guide how families can support their child’s recovery at home.

Remember, every student is unique, and their recovery process may vary. It’s essential to assess and monitor their progress regularly and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Additionally, ensure that ongoing support is available even after the initial recovery phase, as some students may require longer-term assistance.

Signed: William Boadi, EAI Boss. +233541935106.