Months after the earthquake that struck Port Vila nearly two years ago, many children are still processing what they experienced. While buildings can be repaired and supplies replaced, the emotional impact of disaster often lingers, especially for young people.
In the weeks following the earthquake, churches and community leaders worked together to support affected families. Emergency supplies such as bottled water, hygiene items, blankets and fresh food were distributed to church communities across Port Vila to assist those impacted by the disaster.
But alongside these immediate needs, another challenge soon became clear. Teachers and community leaders began noticing that many children were still carrying fear and distress from the earthquake and the aftershocks that followed. In schools and church programs, children were showing signs that they were struggling to process what had happened.
To help address this need, training sessions were organised through the Healing the Trauma program. The training equips teachers, church leaders and community workers with practical tools to help children talk about their experiences and begin recovering emotionally. More than 75 people have now been trained, some of whom are continuing to support children in their schools and communities.
For those working closely with children, the training has provided new understanding.
“Through the ‘Healing the Trauma’ training I have come to better understand myself and how to handle oneself before lending a helping hand to others,” said a coordinator from a local child care centre.
“Becoming more understanding, caring towards children and others in the community, and becoming more observant to others’ behaviours and providing help when needed.”
Teachers also recognised how easily the emotional needs of children can be overlooked during recovery.
“The children also have trauma, too, but sometimes we as parents and teachers do not take it into consideration,” one teacher shared after attending the workshop.
“In the workshop we learnt what effect trauma has on children and how we can help in some way.”
Through these efforts, children in Port Vila are being given space to share their experiences, rebuild a sense of safety and begin healing from the effects of the earthquake.