The Bible Society of Kenya, in collaboration with local partners, organized a trauma healing training program specifically designed to address the unique needs of children living in Kibera, one of Nairobi’s largest and most impoverished slums.
Over the course of the five-day training held at All Saints Cathedral on November 20th-24th 2023, a group of dedicated facilitators guided the children through a journey of self-discovery and healing through a combination of storytelling, group discussions, and interactive exercises. These activities helped the children to explore their emotions, understand their experiences, and develop coping mechanisms to navigate their daily challenges.
The training was not merely about providing psychological support; it was also about instilling hope and resilience in the hearts of these young individuals. The facilitators emphasized the importance of community, compassion, and the unwavering belief in one’s own strength.
As the weeks progressed, a transformation began to take place. The children, once withdrawn and guarded, started to open up, sharing their stories and connecting with each other on a deeper level. Laughter filled the room as they engaged in playful activities, and their eyes sparkled with newfound hope.
The teens were taken through the Young Samaritan Programme to empower them with life skills that would prepare them for puberty and adult life. The teens had an opportunity to learn different topics including friendship and peer pressure, sexuality and puberty changes, health and environment, children’s rights, HIV prevention and stigmatization, making good decisions and being a good Samaritan.
The culmination of the program was a heart warming graduation ceremony, where the children proudly showcased their skills including dances, skits, memory verses and personal testimonies. The parents, who had witnessed their children’s remarkable progress, were overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity they had been given.
All the participants shared a sumptuous cake, received a certificate and a trauma healing manual from BSK. The teens received the Young Samaritan manual so that they could form groups to empower their friends.
The General Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth Muriuki thanked all the participants for their zeal to learn and encouraged them to apply and share what they have learned with their friends. She further reminded them that God loves them the way they are.
For the children of Kibera, this program has been a lifeline, providing them with the tools they need to heal from their past, embrace the present, and build a brighter future.
We thank the leadership of All Saints Cathedral Church, BSK Management, Staff and Facilitators for making the training successful and planting seeds in the lives of these children.
To participate in the trauma healing programme call 0722205843 or email info@biblesociety-kenya.org
0 Comments