Monday, 16 July 2007

SYNERGY KIDS CLUB in KALMUNAI

Following the tsunami disaster, AUSTRALIA FOR people of ASIA PACIFIC (AFAP) carried out a "Trauma Counselling programme" for the children of Kalmunai. FUNDAMENTALS in Co-Counselling was conducted for 25 persons who were later recruited to teach in 3 SYNERGY KIDS CLUBS housed in NAVASHAKTHI, AL-MISBA School and BROTHER OF CHARITY.

The 3 Clubs have two Co-Counsellors each conducting the Clubs for around 25 children attending each Club. They have benefitted enormously from the Club and overcome stress and trauma caused by the disaster. These Clubs also offer them a safe sanctuary away from child recruitment into the rebel forces.

SYNERGY KIDS CLUB in BATTICALOA

The KIDS CLUB in Batticaloa was started in Kallady in 2006. Around 25 children affected by the tsunami disaster attend the program regularly. One teacher and a volunteer conduct regular sessions. Children participate in all activities. A Monitor
was appointed who is of great help to the teachers. Conflict resolution and team building are well received by the children. A donation of games and toys given to the children by a foreign donor was stolen by an intruder.

From 2007, a Club is conducted at OZANAM for children with disabilities. The teacher is a practicing Co-Counsellor and utilises what she has learnt to bring love and trust in the group.

Another Club is conducted in Navalady for children living in the area. Around 25 children attend the sessions regularly. They are given refreshments at each session and gifts like pens and exercise books.

SYNERGY KIDS CLUBS in SRI LANKA

BACKGROUND:
Individuals interested in teaching in the SYNERGY KIDS CLUB undergo a 40 hour training in FUNDAMENTALS of Co-Counselling learning a wide range of empowerment techniques. They are recruited to conduct the SYNERGY KIDS CLUBS for children between the ages of 6 to 13 living in the area. The methodology incorporates MARIA MONTESSORI's "learning through play", NANCY BARON's "healing through story telling" and PATRICIA MATHES CANE's "body, mind, spirit practices for stress, trauma and compassion fatigue".