The next Training of Trainers session is being held in Sri Lanka between the 1st and 11th of February 2007. This exciting opportunity will give participants the chance to learn, first hand, about BasicNeeds' successful approach to helping the victims of the Tsunami.

File size 120 KB To attend the course, download and fill out the application form

File size 28 KB or download and complete the expression of interest

In the wake of the Tsunami, many people developed mental health problems as a result of the terrible tragedy.

Thankfully, in Sri Lanka BasicNeeds was there to help address the long-term mental health needs of the victims.

To help other Tsunami survivors throughout South East Asia, BasicNeeds established its first ever international training programme.

Based in Sri Lanka, this programme is designed to teach community development workers about BasicNeeds’ experience and methods for helping Tsunami-affected communities.

The first ‘Training of Trainers’ programme was held in Sri Lanka from the 2nd to the 12th February 2006. There were 25 participants from India, Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

There were also participants who were working with communities devastated by the earth quake in Pakistan, showing that BasicNeeds’ approach to disasters extends beyond the Tsunami.

The programme teaches BasicNeeds’ approach to working with communities in emergencies (the Psycho-social Development Model) in two components.

The first module is a ten-day residential ‘Training of Trainers’ programme, which shares the successful experiences of BasicNeeds. Participants get to experience the BasicNeeds’ programmes first hand and meet with volunteers, psychiatrists, development workers and survivors of the Tsunami. The chance for participants to learn from the communities themselves is a massively important part of the programme.

The second module is a twelve month follow-up and upgrading programme. During this period, ‘on-the-job’ training is given to participants, as well as the chance to join skills development, educational and awareness training programmes.

Aarthy, a participant from Tamil Nadu said, “I have attended several programmes on psychosocial counselling earlier but not gained as much as I have here,” adding that she recommended that other NGOs and their partners working with disaster-affected communities should nominate their staff to join future programmes.

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Training
Heloise de Lima Coordinator
600/3 Nawala Road, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka