Burundi is a small, densely populated country in the heart of Africa. From 1993 until 2006 the country was shaken by a civil war. More than 300.000 people died and more than a million were displaced. Still today the population has to deal with an atmosphere of violence and insecurity. As a consequence of “la crise”, the Burundian term for the civil war, Burundi has become one of the poorest countries in the world and a large part of the population does not own enough land to feed their families.
A life with violence, poverty and insecurity – Support for street children in Burundi
Burundi is a small, densely populated country in the heart of Africa. From 1993 until 2006 the country was shaken by a civil war. More than 300.000 people died and more than a million were displaced. Still today the population has to deal with an atmosphere of violence and insecurity. As a consequence of “la crise”, the Burundian term for the civil war, Burundi has become one of the poorest countries in the world and a large part of the population does not own enough land to feed their families.
Establishment of a trauma-focused outpatient clinic for Northern Uganda
Since 1986 there has been an unrelenting and brutal war in the Northern districts of Uganda, led by the rebel group called the “Lord’s Resistance Army”. Studies by vivo have repeatedly shown that the psychological consequences of these two decades of war and terror are still ongoing: Despite the fact that the fighting ended in 2005, many survivors cannot forget their experiences and continuously relive them in the form of intruding memories, nightmares and flashbacks. For them, the war continues in their minds. Furthermore, this long-lasting war has shattered social norms of non-violent interactions, which manifests in severe cases of violence within families and communities and thus leads to further traumatization.
Lesen Sie weiter: Establishment of a trauma-focused outpatient clinic for Northern Uganda
Since 1986 there has been an unrelenting and brutal war in the Northern districts of Uganda, led by the rebel group called the “Lord’s Resistance Army”. Studies by vivo have repeatedly shown that the psychological consequences of these two decades of war and terror are still ongoing: Despite the fact that the fighting ended in 2005, many survivors cannot forget their experiences and continuously relive them in the form of intruding memories, nightmares and flashbacks. For them, the war continues in their minds. Furthermore, this long-lasting war has shattered social norms of non-violent interactions, which manifests in severe cases of violence within families and communities and thus leads to further traumatization.
Continue reading: Establishment of a trauma-focused outpatient clinic for Northern Uganda
Giving a voice to victims of female genital mutilation
Very recently, vivo has started its work with women who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in Ethiopia. In July, August and September 2010 more than 150 interviews with women in Jijiga (close to the Somali border) were conducted on FGM and its mental health consequences, including an intake on the special needs of the women. vivo was impressed by the strength of the women in the Somali region but also very much touched by their horrendous experiences and the pain they have undergone. Knowing about the mental, physical, social and psychological plight of sexually cut women in detail now, we are eagerly planning a focussed treatment and support project.
Very recently, vivo has started its work with women who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in Ethiopia. In July, August and September 2010 more than 150 interviews with women in Jijiga (close to the Somali border) were conducted on FGM and its mental health consequences, including an intake on the special needs of the women. vivo was impressed by the strength of the women in the Somali region but also very much touched by their horrendous experiences and the pain they have undergone. Knowing about the mental, physical, social and psychological plight of sexually cut women in detail now, we are eagerly planning a focussed treatment and support project.