Salesians Will Use Summer Camps to Counter Earthquake Trauma

Salesians Will Use Summer Camps to Counter Earthquake Trauma

Photo ©: Misiones Salesianas

(ANS – Damascus – May 9, 2023) – More than three months after the Feb. 6 earthquake and the countless aftershocks that followed, the situation for the people of Syria hasn’t improved significantly. The civil war’s aftermath, the economic and social crisis the country is experiencing, rising prices, lack of food, lack of work, etc., have thrown the population into a widespread depressive mood, to which even children are no strangers. Like every year, the Salesians in Syria are now preparing summer activities for children, which this year have a stated purpose: to help nearly 2,000 children, teenagers, and young adults overcome the trauma caused by the earthquake.

The earthquake confirmed that Syria is indeed experiencing an emergency within an emergency – one that already existed because of the war. Salesians have opened their doors to the population and are still helping with food vouchers for those who haven’t yet been able to return to their homes.

With the first phase of the emergency almost over, that of basic aid, for the past few weeks the Salesians have been starting a 2d phase, focused on resuming sports and recreational activities for minors and caring for people so that they can overcome stress and trauma. Salesian Solidarity Worldwide has already raised more than 2 million euros for the emergency in Syria. All the projects for which these funds were raised are currently running successfully and benefiting hundreds of young people and their families.

A 3d phase will be the traditional summer camps and activities in which hundreds of children always participate. On this occasion, Salesian houses in Damascus and Kafroun will welcome nearly 2,000 children between the ages of 8 and 18, to alleviate the post-traumatic stress disorder from which most of them suffer.

A study by Mariam Ghosn, a psychologist working with the Salesians in Aleppo, shows that 85% of the children need psychological support and that by participating in group activities and therapy for a period of time, they can heal the trauma caused by the earthquake.

A guiding theme has already been found for the summer program: “Bosco Space.” For 6 weeks, through the stories of 6 children who are sent to 6 planets in “Don Bosco Space,” minors received in summer camps will learn 6 different virtues – one for each planet – that will be useful to them “when they return to Earth.”

Traveling by imagination, more than 2,000 needy minors will discover the planet of Good Deeds, where they learn to share and communicate; the planet of Dreams, to pay attention to God’s signs in life; the planet of Life, to learn to take responsibility; the planet of Fateful Decisions, to learn to trust and not give up; the planet of Principles, to be ethical and distinguish right from wrong; and the planet of Fulfilled Dreams, to learn by observing the beauty around us.

As part of the summer camp program, the Salesians include transportation, food, snacks, and all materials for the boys and girls.

The minors’ summer experience will end with 5 days of co-habitation at the Salesian work in Kafroun in a serene environment in the foothills of the mountains to allow the participants to assimilate and share their experiences with other minors.