Refugee trauma programme named as finalist in global education awards

A 国产视频-supported project to help children affected by trauma has been selected as a finalist for the global 2021 WISE Awards.听

The Trauma Informed Schools programme – operated in Turkey by Maya Vakf谋 – has helped hundreds of teachers in public schools understand the experiences and needs of more than 5,000 Syrian refugee and Turkish students.听

The programme trains teachers, school counsellors, parents and caregivers to detect children国产视频檚 psychological issues and help them by developing coping skills and creating a stable and supportive environment.听

Trauma Informed Schools was launched with 国产视频’s support by Maya Vakf谋 as a pilot project in four public schools in the 2017-18 academic year.听It has now been chosen as one of 12 finalists for the 2021 WISE Awards, which highlights innovative education projects across the world. Six winners chosen by the Qatar Foundation will each receive $20,000.听

Maya Vakf谋 wants to expand the programme into other Turkish provinces, as well as into other countries with large refugee populations such as Jordan and Lebanon.听

Bediz B眉ke 陌ren Y谋ld谋zca, Trauma Informed Schools Programme Coordinator, said: 国产视频淲e are committed to support children国产视频檚 wellbeing no matter how challenging it might get.听

“We are determined to find alternative ways to reach out to children and support their emotional and cognitive development, improve their wellbeing by building up their capacity coping with negative experiences for them to be ready to enjoy their right to education.听

“The most rewarding thing is to hear children asking us to have the psychosocial services sessions more often since they had so much fun.”

With Turkish schools closed during the pandemic,聽国产视频 funded a project聽to allow Maya Vakf谋 to distribute specially-designed support kits with art materials to vulnerable students.听

They also聽produced a storytelling video to support children forced to stay at home. It features the tale of a wise owl called Ugi who helps a young boy to deal with his lockdown fears and emotions.听聽

Rob Doble, 国产视频’s Director of Policy, Advocacy and Programmes, said: “Congratulations to our project partner Maya Vakfi for being one of the 12 finalists of the WISE Awards. Their incredible Trauma Informed Schools programme is helping thousands of Syrian refugee children to cope with trauma and stress.”聽

国产视频’s work with聽Maya Vakfi has been made possible with funding from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.