National Kids in Distress project.

• Author: Peddle, Nancy
• Position: Aid project for Sierra Leone' youth

The Christian Children's Fund (CCF), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Government of Sierra Leone came together in a unique national collaborative effort and created the Kids in Distress (KIDS) Project to address the psychosocial problems of children under the age of 18 years throughout Sierra Leone. As a consultant with Taylor Institute, I was hired to implement this Project under the CCF. The specific goal of the Project is "to increase the capacity of community-based health, social service and education staff working with children and youth living in war-torn Sierra Leone", through a national training plan. By increasing the capacity of over 1,400 adults to help children cope with the stress of chronic war, the KIDS Project aims to significantly reduce both the short- and long-term effects of psychological trauma by bringing a blend of intervention, treatment and prevention to these children and their families.

The effects of violent trauma can persist throughout one's life if one does not deal with it. Children can hold on to anger, frustration, rage and guilt for some time, not knowing exactly what to do with it or how to express it. Without intervention, children exposed to violence may end up acting out the violence again. To adequately deal with psychological trauma, children must be encouraged to freely relate their experiences in a trusting and safe environment. An all important factor is the adult's attitude of respect and acceptance of the children and their story of what happened to them, including how they feel emotionally about it. Therefore, providing support to community workers, parents and other adults working in situations of armed conflict is an integral part of KIDS.

The KIDS Project was launched in May 1996 by the Vice President of Sierra Leone and the Ministers of Education, Health, Social Welfare, Youth and Sports, and Gender and Children Affairs, along with the UNICEF Representative and the CCF's Country Director. As this was one of the first formal functions for the newly-elected Government, their official support of psychosocial needs of children made the news. Our advocacy efforts were clear as each one delivered speeches about the horrible effects of violence on children and the psychosocial needs that must be addressed as a result. These speeches became part of the government's policy. The Project was able to accomplish a great deal more with the blessings of these top officials.

During the...