Support Psychosocial Program for High School Students in Haiti
The rebuilding of a new Haiti is not only based on infrastructure development such as material constructions, building roads and government buildings but also on people well being and physical and psychological safety.
The earthquake was a tremendous tragedy that has left majority of Haitians with no hope within themselves and the generation to come. There is a great need for community members to be involved in the process of rebuilding a new Haiti which also includes healing the trauma that was caused by the earthquake.
In the whole country, youth, especially students including boys and girls, are the most vulnerable to psychosocial issues that threaten the process of their maturing. Moreover, students (between nine and twenty-five years old) are the largest segment of the population. Several among them are abandoned to themselves in the streets and exposed to delinquencies, child exploitation, rape and all kinds of vulnerabilities.
This situation is very alarming mainly in Central Plateau area, where the population has recently increased due to internal displacement. Therefore, it is extremely important in any rebuilding effort in Haiti, to focus attention on this particular group of the population.
It is very essential that they actively participate in rebuilding and enhancing community local capacities that will create a culture of ownership within their various communities. In this light, rebuilding Haiti should also start at grassroots’ level in creating awareness and building capacity of youth who are the future of Haiti.
Proposed Action
Chemen Lavi is proposing to provide a psychosocial support for at risk high school Students living in Central Plateau area. This program will inform and train the students on ways to deal with their psychological issues. It will create awareness and skills to restore the students’ self-esteem and encourage them to quit delinquencies and be useful to themselves and their communities.
In order to implement this project, a conference will be held in the city of Hinche in Central Plateau. It will include different sessions which will be presented by dynamic speakers from around the country, throughout a period of four (4) days. These sessions will focus on:
- Humility and Leadership
- The perils and pitfalls of Being a Student Leader
- Building Coalitions
- Environment Protection