The Challenge:
In Diyala Province, Iraq, the scars of conflict and the continuous displacement of families have left deep psychological impacts on children, many of whom find refuge in orphanages. These children require care that goes beyond basic needs; they need support that addresses their psychological wounds and helps them recover from trauma. Click here to verify
"The children we serve have endured more than any child should. Our mission is to not only protect them but to help them heal," - Hadi (Orphanage Director)
The Solution:
Recognizing the critical need for specialized care, Noor, a senior caregiver at the orphanage, spearheaded an initiative to implement trauma-informed care training for the orphanage staff. Supported by Gaza999’s guidelines, the program was designed to provide the caregivers with the necessary skills to support the mental health needs of the children effectively.
"Understanding trauma and knowing how to address it in our daily interactions is crucial for us to make a real difference in the lives of these children," - Noor (Senior Caregiver)
The Implementation:
Noor began by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the existing knowledge and skills of the orphanage staff regarding trauma-informed care. Partnering with local mental health professionals and child psychologists, she helped design a training curriculum that included psychological first aid, understanding child-specific mental health interventions, and incorporating these practices into everyday caregiving.
The training sessions were interactive, involving role-playing and scenario-based activities to ensure that the staff could practically apply what they learned. Additionally, a sustainable training model was established where initially trained staff would take on the role of peer trainers, ensuring ongoing knowledge transfer within the orphanage.
Regular monitoring and refresher courses were introduced to keep the staff updated on the latest developments in trauma-informed care and to continuously improve their caregiving approaches.
"Through this training, we've transformed our orphanage into a sanctuary where each child's emotional and psychological needs are truly understood and met," - Sarah (Child Psychologist)
The Impact:
The trauma-informed care training profoundly transformed the orphanage into a nurturing environment that significantly enhanced the children's emotional stability and academic performance. This positive change has extended beyond the orphanage, inspiring local schools to seek guidance on implementing similar practices. As a result, the entire community is benefiting from a more supportive approach to education and child development.
"The transformation within our children—growing in confidence and resilience—reaffirms the profound impact of our program," - Jamal (Orphanage Administrator)
Lessons Learned:
- Comprehensive Training is Key: In-depth and ongoing training equips caregivers with the skills to make a substantial impact on the lives of traumatized children.
- Sustainable Training Models Promote Continuity: Establishing a peer-training model ensures that knowledge persists within the institution, even as staff turnover occurs.
- Regular Evaluation Drives Improvement: Continuous assessment and adaptation of training programs are essential to keep pace with evolving best practices in trauma-informed care.
