Psychological First Aid rolled out across Moldova to enhance support for locals and Ukrainian refugees
World Vision, in collaboration with the Support for the Reform of Mental Health Services in the Republic of Moldova (MENSANA) Project, the Ministry of Education in Moldova and supported by Aktion Deutschland Hiltf (ADH), conducted a series of Psychological First-Aid Trainings for various professionals across the country.
The sessions are aimed at school psychologists, the psycho-pedagogical assistance service (SAP), psycho-pedagogues, and teachers from both the capital municipality and all districts in Moldova.
"It is important to continue building the capacity of our teachers and mental health practitioners in Moldova because they are at the frontlines working with children and their families from host communities and the Ukrainian refugees," says Dr. Lilia Damaschin-Rughina, Project Manager, World Vision.
In recent studies by UNESCO, 26% of Ukrainian teenagers have been officially diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 75 percent of schoolchildren have encountered the debilitating effects of stress.
The report further emphasized that children and adolescents impacted by the war face a heightened vulnerability to emotional distress and the potential development of mental health issues, which can have profound consequences on their overall health and well-being.
"It's clear that Ukrainian refugees and host communities face significant challenges, with stress leading to potential mental health issues," observes Dr. Rughina. "The training program is needed for field workers and specialists to enhance their skills, aiming to support children and adolescents in various settings like schools, homes, and workplaces.”
She adds, “We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Education for their support in facilitating the gathering of participants for this essential psychological first aid course.” "This training enhanced my effectiveness in working with children and effective communication with parents about optimal child-rearing strategies," emphasizes Alexandrina Gîrbea, a teacher for children with disabilities in Ungheni.
It's clear that Ukrainian refugees and host communities face significant challenges, with stress leading to potential mental health issues.
She further shares, "Currently, I volunteer my services to Ukrainian schoolchildren residing in Moldova, and this training is very helpful in equipping me to better support them in their time of need."
In a shared sentiment, sisters Carolina and Christine, psychology students from Chisinau, conveyed their enthusiasm for the ongoing training. "As representatives of the new generation, we have gained extensive insights and knowledge from this training, and we are happy to be connecting with seasoned practitioners in our field.”
They added, “Our future profession plays a critical role in contemporary Moldovan society, with people navigating challenges of the present age.” During the 1-day training course in Chisinau and other locations across the country, participants will be provided with theoretical information on various topics related to mental health.
These include psychological first aid, mental health concerns in children and adolescents, crisis interventions and emergency support, psychological well-being, mental health at work, and practical recommendations for preventing mental health problems in target groups and intervening at the local level.
"We are very happy collaborating with World Vision, as both our organizations are dedicated to advancing community mental health services in Moldova, particularly for Ukrainian refugees," says Olga Jalba, a psychologist at MENSANA and workshop co-facilitator.
Olga adds, “When course participants show a strong inclination to connect their patients to the referral program, we see it as a powerful indication that those with mental health concerns would feel empowered knowing where, when, and how to seek support.”
As part of its Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) strategy, World Vision Ukraine Crisis Response with the support from Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH) aims to train a total of 318 specialists in these training sessions, which would span over a course of 15 days.
Story and photos by Christopher Lete and Eugene Combo/WorldVision