July 2006, Counselling eases the pain for troubled children in Kyrgyzstan
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, 13 July 2006 – Jyldyz, 12, recently visited her psychologist without an appointment. She came not as a client but as a friend, with a sense of pride, because she had something special to show: her sixth-grade diploma. To some, it seemed impossible that Jyldyz would graduate, let alone earn good grades, because she was classified as an ‘at risk’ child with out-of-control and aggressive behaviour – not the same cheerful, bright little girl her parents once knew.
Counselling sessions provide children with an opportunity to invent stories, draw pictures and play games – activities designed to help them overcome trauma and pain. Last year, Dr. Ageeva approached UNICEF with a very specific goal in mind: to develop a partnership for an education and skills programme on the treatment of traumatized youth and troubled families. UNICEF agreed to the proposal and a summer workshop was planned to kick off the programme. Ultimately, a large contingent of capable professionals – as well as students from around the globe – came to Bishkek for the first week-long training session. Counselling prevents drop-outs A year later, some of those same professionals have provided direct psychological support to a wide variety of youth, including:
“These summer workshops are an effective tool that allows us to fully concentrate on the learning process,” explains Dr. Ageeva. “We are very happy that UNICEF pays attention to the issues of psychological rehabilitation of traumatized children.” Today in Kyrgyzstan, the doctor adds, psychological services in the schools are experiencing a rebirth. “The benefits are being recognized,” she says, noting that in-school counselling has helped keep many at-risk children from dropping out. “There is a great need for professional psychologists to help these children, and teachers and parents need help to support their needs,” says Dr. Ageeva. This week, professionals and students are again convening at the Kyrygz-Russian Slavonic University for a series of workshops on psychological consultation and psychotherapy for adolescents from dysfunctional families. Today, Jyldyz says she would like to give back to those who have helped her. She even contemplates becoming a psychologist or therapist to help children like herself. This is the sort of dream she has, now that the nightmares have stopped.
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