Not just studies, teachers to help kids overcome trauma too

As Punjab starts rebuilding exercise after life-shattering floods, teachers from affected schools of Ajnala and Ramdass are being given special training to help heal children emotionally after they rejoin studies.

The district administration has drawn up a special programme, the objective of which is to enable teachers understand the fear, stress and anxiety caused by the floods and provide children emotional support. Amritsar is the only district in the state that has launched such an initiative.

“We will ensuring that children get emotional first aid. Before teaching, ask children about their well-being and that of their family so that they feel that someone is there to help them,” Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said.

“The programme will continue once schools reopen in the border belt on Tuesday and we will monitor improvement in children once things start to settle,” she added.

Recently, teachers from 50 schools in Ajnala and Chogawan blocks attended a session by Sanchi Chandna from Delhi and NGO Sanji Sikhyan. They were briefed on stress management, support activities, early counselling and community support. Chandna is an educator with over 10 years of experience in designing and leading contextual, relational and systems-driven learning programmes in conflict zones.

Assistant Commissioner Piyusha Bhardak said natural disasters not only caused physical damage but also had a profound impact on the mental health of children.

She said the programme would be implemented in schools under the “Sanja Uparala” initiative. “Teachers can play a big role in making children feel safe, confident and stable again,” she said.

Aarti, a teacher who attended the training session, said “Due to the floods, every child who has been displaced and seen the destruction, will experience some impact. Many children have lost homes, routine and sense of familiarity. These effects can vary depending on the child’s age, personality, the extent of the disaster and the support systems available. By providing immediate emotional aid, they could be made to feel safe,” she said.