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Reported by Kelsey Novelli:
The children’s grief support group program, facilitated by Kafwa who have been trained to be Child Support Specialists (CSS), is going strong in the communities in Zambia! Between the three communities there are over 100 orphans who are currently participating in one of the 13-week support groups. Multiply that number x5 years of the program’s existence and you can see the incredible impact on the faces of hundreds of children!
The children’s grief support group program, facilitated by Kafwa who have been trained to be Child Support Specialists (CSS), is going strong in the communities in Zambia! Between the three communities there are over 100 orphans who are currently participating in one of the 13-week support groups. Multiply that number x5 years of the program’s existence and you can see the incredible impact on the faces of hundreds of children!
The CSS have shared seeing children learn more about their own feelings and build confidence in articulating how they feel, seeing decrease in aggression, watching children transform from sad and withdrawn to playing and participating, and watching the children build positive and supportive relationships with their peers as well as with the compassionate CSS. The children refer to the CSS as “Mama Madam”, reflective of the respect given to a teacher and the loving and supportive relationship they build with the CSS.
Zambian culture does not have a practice of including or communicating clearly with children after a loved one dies, leaving many children with big questions as their lives are turned upside down after a parent dies. These changes often include moving to a new home with extended relatives, sometimes in a new community. In addition to supporting the children and educating them about their grief, the CSS also advocate for the children and provide guidance and education to their caregivers.
Mental health professionals recognize that meeting a child’s emotional needs enables that child to develop self-confidence, a healthy perspective on life, focus and learn more ably, learn new skills, and aids in healthy social development. In a place where the physical needs are so numerous, it is inspiring to see the CSS’s forward-thinking in recognizing that in order for a child to truly succeed, they must also have their emotional needs addressed. And these amazing women are taking action to make sure the most vulnerable children have this opportunity.
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