Training Ugandans in Trauma Informed Care

"Rose" is a primary student in the 6th grade who lives in a small village in southwestern Uganda.

Since, October last year, Teacher Lydia - a primary school teacher who attended our trauma healing workshop two years ago, through our collaboration with local partner, Nyaka - has been visiting Rose's school to educate the students and teachers about cycles of trauma and violence, and how to support each other to heal.

She's also visits the homes of students and families in need of deeper support, like Rose. 

Here is Rose's story:

"[Before] I had not yet learned about trauma, my actions and thoughts were quite different from those after learning about it. Then, I would react very fast... and negatively... 

Trauma healing has helped me to know how to control my stress by resourcing. This has helped me to improve on my academic performance and being open to my teachers and guardian... It has also helped me to give respect to old people and never to underlook those under my age.

I stay with my grandmother who used to abuse me whenever she is drunk, saying that she has no hope in me... this made me think of dropping out of school. But when the trauma healing team from Nyaka visited us at my home, my grandmother was counseled.

Since then, she has become my friend.  Also, I promised to remain in school.

I request that the trauma healing program be extended to other classes, especially where there are teenagers."

* * * * * * 

This International Women's Day, we're celebrating Rose and her grandmother, and all the other women and girls who will be the first in their families to break cycles of trauma and violence. 

And we're celebrating YOU.  Because your support creates a ripple effect that empowers superstar Healing Advocates like Teacher Lydia, with knowledge and skills to impact others - like the 839 students, teachers, and caregivers whose healing journeys she is empowering, too.

With gratitude - from our hearts to yours,
Gratitude Alliance