Addressing PTSD among school children in Yemen
THE CHALLENGE
In Yemen, airstrikes, fighting, and a blockade on major ports and airports have triggered one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises characterized by extreme food security, epidemics of waterborne diseases, and ongoing violence and displacement. The dire situation has left an estimated 79% of children in Yemen experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), yet mental health and rehabilitative services in the country are in short supply. Without adequate support, Yemeni youth, in particular, are unable to reach their full potential or succeed in various domains of life.
THE SOLUTION
To address the gap in mental health services for youth in Yemen, the Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation partnered with Yemeni Universities and mental health experts to upgrade the skills and knowledge of school counsellors to address the needs of middle and high school students with PTSD and related mental health issues. The training and mentorship program also sought to help Yemeni youth develop peer-oriented social media messages and campaigns to raise awareness about mental health services and de-stigmatize care-seeking. Throughout the CHIC funding period, the team finalized the development of the curriculum (in English and Arabic) and created educational videos and other materials that will be disseminated through a social media campaign. They also met with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and Supreme Committee for Managing and Coordinating Humanitarian Activities to provide a project overview and request approval to implement the project. Given delays in obtaining approvals, however, the implementation of the program was delayed so subsequent evaluations will be required to assess its impact potential.
