Mekelle: 27 December 2023 (Tigray Herald)
By Yerga yaecobe
The glamour of hope for recovery TDF war wounded veterans Heroes
The strategy for Menebere Selama Kesate Brihan Orthodox Tewahedo Church of Tigray to lead and coordinate with all religious representatives in post-genocide Tigray for a psychosocial model of healing involves several key components:
Collaborative Interfaith Approach:
Foster collaboration and unity among various religious representatives in Tigray to create a collective effort towards psychosocial healing.
Organize interfaith dialogues, prayer sessions, and community gatherings to promote understanding, empathy, and solidarity.
Trauma-Informed Education:
Develop and implement educational programs within the church to raise awareness about the psychological impact of trauma and post-genocide experiences.
Provide training for religious leaders on recognizing signs of trauma, supporting individuals in distress, and referring them to appropriate professional help.
Community-Based Healing Initiatives:
Establish community support groups within the church to create a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and emotions.
Organize workshops, seminars, and therapeutic activities focusing on coping mechanisms, resilience, and rebuilding community bonds.
Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals:
Forge partnerships with psycho professionals, psychologists, and counselors to integrate evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
Facilitate access to mental health services for war-wounded TDF veterans, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery.
Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Guidance:
Train religious leaders in pastoral counseling techniques to provide spiritual guidance and support for those struggling with trauma.
Incorporate traditional healing practices and rituals into the psychosocial model, respecting the cultural and spiritual aspects of recovery.
Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns:
Advocate for mental health awareness within the broader community and destigmatize seeking help for psychological distress.
Engage in public awareness campaigns to promote understanding of the unique challenges faced by war-wounded TDF veterans.
Research and Evaluation:
Conduct ongoing research to assess the effectiveness of the psychosocial model and identify areas for improvement.
Collaborate with academic institutions and NGOs to ensure the strategy evolves based on the evolving needs of the community.
Resource Mobilization:
Seek partnerships with international organizations, NGOs, and governmental agencies to secure resources for implementing and sustaining the psychosocial healing initiatives.
This comprehensive strategy aims to address the complex psychosocial needs of post-genocide Tigray, fostering resilience, community support, and collaboration with mental health professionals for the holistic recovery of war-wounded TDF veterans
