Healing hearts and minds after Hurricane Beryl
UNICEF supports aid workers in Grenada to respond to mental health needs of affected children
ST GEORGE'S - 19 August 2024 - Hurricane Beryl left a trail of destruction in its wake, but its most devastating impact may be on the region’s children. Over 150 dedicated government workers, aid professionals, and community leaders in Grenada are rallying together to address the urgent needs of young people, providing critical support and healing.
In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, which struck in early July, UNICEF, with support from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), rapidly deployed teams to equip local officials with essential training in psychological first aid, protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse, and combating gender-based violence.
“Children are exceptionally vulnerable during emergencies,” emphasized UNICEF Child Protection Officer, Bertrand Moses. “The trauma of losing everything can leave them feeling lost and without hope. Our priority is to safeguard them and provide vital support.”
To help children process their traumatic experiences and rebuild their lives, families and aid workers are also being trained in the Return to Happiness programme. This innovative approach uses creative methods such as play, music, and art to foster emotional expression and resilience.
“The programme is specifically designed to address children’s psychological and emotional well-being,” explained Moses. “By empowering adults to support children through these activities, we can create a nurturing environment for healing.”
Carlene Alexander James, a guidance counsellor at the Ministry of Education, is determined to help children in Grenada overcome the challenges they face. “This training is exactly what we needed,” she said. “It has given us the tools to support children as they navigate this difficult time.”
Sabrina Sanderson Plenty, Child Protection Officer at the Child Protection Authority in Grenada, is focused on supporting children in Carriacou. She has observed that many children are struggling to cope with the hurricane’s impact and may be reluctant to discuss their feelings.
“We need to be creative in our approach to understand their experiences,” Sanderson Plenty explained. “By building trust and providing a safe space, we can help them heal.”
The training in psychological first aid has proven invaluable for frontline workers like Sanderson Plenty. “It has opened my eyes to the importance of empathy and compassion in supporting children through crisis,” she said.
