BNPB Holds Trauma Healing for Children Victims of Disaster in Agam
JAKARTA - Children affected by natural disasters need special attention, not only in terms of meeting physical needs, but also mental and emotional health.
The experience of loss, fear, and sudden changes in the environment can leave a deep psychological impact if not addressed early.
Therefore, trauma healing is an important part of the recovery process for child victims of disasters so that they can feel safe again and continue to grow and develop optimally.
As a form of response to these needs, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) carried out psychosocial recovery or trauma healing activities for children affected by hydrometeorological disasters. This activity was held at the evacuation location of SDN 05 Kayu Pasak, Nagari Salareh Aia, Palembayan District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra.
Chairman of the BNPB Director Unit Harian, Ari Lesmana, in an online broadcast of "Teropong Bencana" which was attended from Jakarta on Wednesday, emphasized that children are the most vulnerable group in post-disaster situations.
Without proper accompaniment, the trauma experienced can last a long time and affect their psychological condition and future development.
Quoting ANTARA, in its implementation, BNPB partnered with Talenta Svara Berta volunteers and the Dongeng Academy Community to present a child-friendly approach. A number of national event participants were directly involved, including singer Berta, comedian Kimau, Bang Tony, and other volunteers who came from Jakarta to provide moral support and cheer for children in the evacuation.
Various interactive activities are held to help children express emotions and reduce fear, such as storytelling, storytelling, drawing, to educational games. All activities are tailored to the age and needs of children so that they feel comfortable and actively involved.
In addition to providing entertainment and psychological support, BNPB also distributes assistance in the form of snacks, lunch, school supplies, and educational toys to support children's learning and playing activities while in the refugee camp.
Ari Lesmana explained that psychosocial recovery is an integral part of emergency management and the transition phase towards post-disaster recovery, along with the fulfillment of other basic needs for affected communities.
Through this activity, BNPB hopes that the spirit of children can grow again even though they are in the midst of limitations, as well as helping to accelerate the overall social recovery of the community after the disaster.