Psychological First Aid for Children affected by North Karnataka Floods

The devastating flood that hit North Karnataka in October 2009 exposed yet again how unprepared society is to tackle calamities/disasters of this scale. After the first few days of numbed disbelief, relief in terms of money, clothes, food etc poured in from many individuals and organizations towards rehabilitation of those affected by the floods. 

But help for the psychological trauma felt as a result of the devastation has gone unaddressed. This issue is of special concern in relation to children whose needs and fears take a backseat whilst families are busy trying to get their lives back to normalcy.

Sadly, while these floods are now long forgotten by most, those affected by the floods still continue to struggle to cope with the effects of the disaster. With the struggles of children, as always, being the least addressed. 

Mr. Nagasimha G Rao, Associate Director-CRT, who had surveyed the flood affected areas with the specific aim of engaging children and bringing them back to normalcy, observed that most children were still finding it difficult to come to terms with the disaster and its effects on their homes and lives. Many children said that they still had nightmares about it. Most children confided that they had no one to talk to about their feelings or fears since their parents were themselves struggling to move forward.

On November 16, 2009, an one day orientation programme was organized on psychosocial support, in which a number of NGOs reported on the psychological trauma experienced by the population in general and children in particular (sleeplessness, fear of being alone, nightmares, lack of interest in studies, irritability, clinging attitude etc). 

During the last one decade, systematic efforts by agencies like the WHO-SEARO, National Institute of Mental health and Neurosciences, Bangalore(NIMHANS) and American Red Cross, India have resulted in the development of practical models of providing ‘psychological first aid’ to children. The chief focus of these interventions are to use the existing infrastructure like the schools, anganwadis, relief camps to provide children an opportunity to (i) ventilate their feelings; (ii) face their personal feeling; and (iii) enhance self-esteem.

Against this background, Child Rights Trust, in association with an expert in this field, developed a plan to conduct training in 4 phases on ‘Psychological First Aid’ for children through NGOs, schoolteachers and anganwadi workers from the 12 affected districts. 

Resource Persons: Dr. R. Srinivas Murthy (who has worked extensively on developing psychosocial interventions for survivors of disasters nationally and internationally) and Mr. Nagasimha.G.Rao (trained counsellor and child rights activist), supported by Mr. Girish (worked extensively in the field of children’s issues using theatre, drama and extra curricular activities as tools) 

Methodology of the Interventions: 

The specific interventions at the level of classes in schools, the Anganwadi centres and groups of children in relief camps, are to provide a safe, supportive and activity oriented environment for children to understand the experience of the floods that they have had and to develop measures to master the experiences through (i) ventilation of their feelings; (ii) facing their personal feelings; and (iii) enhancing of self-esteem. The practical session are about 3 hours duration and the chief methods will be play activities.

The entire programme will be conducted at four levels:

1. Training of trainers workshop of 4 days;

2. Training of teachers and/or NGOs of 2 days

3. Classroom/angawadi/relief camp level practical session of 3 hours;

4. Follow up evaluation to document and plan for future interventions.

The first phase has been initiated and one workshop completed in January. It was received very well by the trainers from the flood affected districts who attended the workshop. A detailed report on Phase I of the program is available for more information.

CRT is now trying to mobilise funds for the remaining phases which is proving to be a difficult task with the issue not in focus anymore. It is not apparent to most people who are not in direct contact with the affected children that their trauma continues, and if it is not alleviated, will damage their potential and their very personalities. Another important point is that with North Karnataka being susceptible to disasters of one type or another, this project will help prepare the teachers, NGOs and Anganwadi workers to help children face any that might occur in the future and thus avert fresh trauma.

Please contact us if you are interested in donating towards the project or would like the detailed proposal for the project

Appeal for Children's Special Needs in North Karnataka

CRT has become involved in the North Karnataka flood relief especially focusing on the special needs of children. Many individuals have been shocked by the enormity of the flood disaster and wanted to help. At the same time, there is, as always, a gnawing doubt if the aid one gives will in fact reach those who need it.

The Karnataka State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights [KSCPCR] Chairperson and members toured the affected areas. Apart from identifying the most affected areas and the most crucial needs of the distressed families, they noted that the situation of childen was especially pathetic in terms of both health and nutrition as well as trauma. Even a month after the floods, the situation has not improved in these respectsm especially in the more remote areas. Some NGOS are involved in the relief work, both on their own and with government to help proper distribution of the aid, and to help monitor the same. Each district has a coordination committee that oversees the relief effort to avoid duplication on the one hand, and missing out some needy, on the other. The committee will also monitor the work of both the govt. and the NGO efforts.

We know from previous emergency experience in India and elsewhere, that apart from the need for food, clothes, shelter and medicine, there is a crying need to help children get over their trauma and towards normalcy, by counseling them and engaging them in play and studying. Even the special nutritional foods that are often given to them in such circumstances have no effect if they are not engaged in such activities. The materials needed include paper and pens/pencils, or slates and chalks, and simple play materials. So a major part of the funding we get will be used for these.

There are some among us with experience in trauma counseling, having been specially trained or having worked in the Tsunami aftermath a few years ago, who will train local NGOs and other volunteers in methods of overcoming PTSD [Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder] for all affected persons with special attention to children.

We realize that some of you might have already donated for flood relief through either government or NGOs. Even so, we hope you will respond quickly and generously to help meet the special needs of children in this time of dire need. These needs are typically overlooked in relief programmes, but are crucial for children to return to normalcy. Child Rights Trust, Bangalore [CRT] has learnt that some Bangalore-based NGOs have decided that each staff member will donate one day's salary. In some institutions, it is a month’s salary [deductible over a longer period, while the institution pays the total immediately]. Such decisions are welcome initiatives and something one might think of replicating.

CRT will be able to receive and forward whatever donations you give and will give you a receipt for the same. We will also provide a consolidated report with photographs to all our donors. Your donations will be eligible for tax deduction under the IT 80G clause.

Donations can be sent to Child Rights Trust, 4606, High Point IV, Palace Road, Bangalore 560001, either by cheque, demand draft or cash. Please provide your name and full address to enable us to give you the receipt, and indicate clearly in a cover letter or on the back of the cheque that the donation is meant for N. Karnataka Flood Relief.