The number of children in Middle East who have experienced trauma is growing. This is due to increased poverty and prolonged conflict. In one North African country alone, it is estimated that there are between 1.7 and 4 million orphans. A large number of these, in addition to the trauma of losing their parents, have faced sexual and psychological abuse.
Providing help for traumatised children whilst they are still young is vital in order to reduce the negative effects of trauma in their adult lives.
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“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”
Middle Eastern countries, however, tend to lack mental health funding, resources, and workforce. Stigma around mental health, inadequate transport, and complex referral processes are also barriers to service provision.
MEM is tackling these issues. We use a 3D animation series, coupled with interactive workshops, to facilitate the healing of children in refugee camps, orphanages and communities in need. The animated series follows the journey of 8-year-old Farah as she faces a series of difficult life events, such as the death of her mother and moving home. After each experience, Farah gains strength and hope from learning about Bible heroes who faced similar situations. The children identify closely with Farah and, after watching each episode, take part in workshops, including art therapy.
So far, MEM has trained over 260 community providers to use Life in the Desert. These trainees have now reached over 7,000 children in refugee camps, orphanages and poor communities with the programme.
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“I learnt that it was wrong to tell a child, ‘Don’t cry!’ or, ‘Don’t be sad!’. I learnt to respect their feelings and help them to process their emotions instead.”
Trainees often comment that our programme is the best material they’ve ever used for traumatised children and report that children who have historically struggled to receive help literally run to this programme.
The programme’s Christian content, which speaks to children from all faiths or none, is integral to its success. As children learn about the God of the Bible, they start to understand themselves as children under His care. They begin to experience a safe connection with a God who heals.
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“I learnt that no matter the hard situation I am in, God can still stretch His Hands and hold mine.”
The caregivers we train to run the programme, many of whom have experienced horrific trauma themselves, benefit professionally and personally:
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“Because I work with children who face challenging life situations, I sometimes feel like I’m breaking down. I lock myself in my room and cry so that no one will notice. Through the training, I learnt how important it is to express our burdens and the things we find challenging, so that we can recharge and go on.”
Staff at orphanages, children’s leaders at churches, and people working in refugee camps are desperately seeking training like this to help children across the region.
Together, through your prayers and financial support, we can train people across the Middle East and North Africa to go into orphanages, refugee camps, and churches, and have an exponential impact on many more children.
