Trauma Healing training for community service
During May, the Trauma Healing Network hosted a community training workshop in Okahandja for the caregivers of Christ’s Hope International. They are an organization that works to holistically care for AIDS affected orphaned and vulnerable children by addressing their spiritual, physical, emotional and social needs. The 29 caregivers who attended the training came from Keetmanshoop, Okahandja, Oshikuku and Rehoboth as well as from Kenya, the Netherlands, Swaziland and Tanzania.
The Trauma Healing Network, a Bible Engagement project of the Bible Society of Namibia, was launched in September 2012. Since then, this valuable project has grown and countless people are being helped through it. By training facilitators and caregivers in various communities, the Trauma Healing Network aims to bring help to people who are suffering from the effects of trauma in their lives; people who have been unable to work through their trauma because help is either inaccessible, unaffordable or just not available.
Further development of the project resulted in two levels of training: the community level known as Colour Me Healed™ and the professional level known as Trauma Treatment and Recovery. The latter carries 25 CPD or Ethics points.
Numerous training opportunities on both levels have already been hosted in various towns across Namibia: Henties Bay, Koës, Ongwediva, Opuwo, Otavi, Otjiwarongo, Outjo, Swakopmund and Windhoek.
Two international participants had this to say about the training: “I feel better able to help others and improve myself as a counsellor… It is a good course that I would love to take with me back home and continue the good work started here… [this training is different from others in that it] is not only informative, but also helps in the healing process. – Caesar, Social Worker from Kenya.
“I learnt new ways of handling my emotions and with the knowledge I have I can pass it on starting with kids… [this training is different from others in that] your teachings are deep; you don’t just teach the minor things and first you start (with) the learner’s healing before s/he may [pass] the knowledge to others.” – Evidence, Counsellor from Swaziland.
