Synergy Clubs:
Co-counseling Tsunami affected children
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Synergy Kids' Clubs have been established in Jaffna, Batticaloa and Kalmunai (Visions of Hope Children's Center, Pandiruppu) for children aged between 6 to 13 years. The Clubs are conducted by co-counsellors using holistic methods to overcome trauma and empower children to take active interest in their school and extra curricular activities. They learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflict and work in teams.
Another Club is conducted in Kallady (Batticaloa) for children living in the area. Around 25 children attend the sessions regularly. They are given refreshments at each session and gifts like pens and exercise books. One teacher and a volunteer conduct regular sessions. Children participate in all activities. A Monitor was appointed who is of great help to the teachers. Conflict resolution and team building are well received by the children.
The Clubs have two Co-Counsellors each conducting the Clubs for around 25 children attending each Club. They have benefitted enormously from the Club and overcome stress and trauma caused by the disaster. These Clubs also offer them a safe sanctuary away from child recruitment into the rebel forces.
The Synergy curriculum consists of sun prayer, art, music, dance, yoga, meditation, in door and out door games. Through the aesthetic activities, the children learn to relax and focus their minds on the task at hand. They learn to play in groups, learn leadership skills, and resolve conflict.
Individuals interested in teaching in a Synergy Kids Club undergo a 40 hour training in fundamentals of Co-Counselling learning a wide range of empowerment techniques. They are recruited to conduct the Synergy Kids Club for children between the ages of 6 to 13 living in the area. The methodology incorporates Maria Montessori's "learning through play", Nancy Baron's "healing through story telling" and Patricia Mathes Cane's "body, mind, spirit practices for stress, trauma and compassion fatigue".
For more information about Synergy Clubs in Sri Lanka download these PDF documents:
Or visit these web pages:
- Community Centre: scn6.blogspot.com/
- Healing programme: cn-healing.blogspot.com/
- Synergy Kids' Clubs: scn-kidsclub.blogspot.com/
- Sri Lanka Program: co-co-lanka.blogspot.com/
- Synergy Youth: scn-youth.blogspot.com
- Psychosocial: scn-psycho.blogspot.com
- Training: scn-training.blogspot.com
