In cooperation with Dr Anselm Crombach, Eva Schade, psychotherapist in training, offered a seven-day training programme to strengthen the psychotherapeutic skills of Burundian and Congolese psychologists in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Projects
All reports about projects of vivo international are displayed.
Strengthening therapeutic competences
In cooperation with Dr Anselm Crombach, Eva Schade, psychotherapist in training, offered a seven-day training programme to strengthen the psychotherapeutic skills of Burundian and Congolese psychologists in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Permanent support for children
For many years, vivo has supported the position of a school counselor at a Tanzanian primary school. Over time, not only the children have grown, but the school has also grown and now includes several locations as well as a secondary school.
For many years, vivo has supported the position of a school counselor at a Tanzanian primary school. Over time, not only the children have grown, but the school has also grown and now includes several locations as well as a secondary school.
Successful project completion
Despite the devastating pandemic and political situation in Brazil, the project on NET in poor neighbourhoods (favealas) in Rio de Janeiro was successfully completed: even in the context of an increased risk of violence, NET was superior to the usual local treatment in terms of reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Lesen Sie weiter: Successful project completion
Despite the devastating pandemic and political situation in Brazil, the project on NET in poor neighbourhoods (favealas) in Rio de Janeiro was successfully completed: even in the context of an increased risk of violence, NET was superior to the usual local treatment in terms of reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Continue reading: Successful project completion
Success of peer support for refugees
Since 2017, vivo international has established an innovative care model for coordinated psychotherapeutic care for refugees in the district of Constance with the involvement of supervised peers. You can read about the development of the project here.
In 2021, the group of supervised peers was expanded to a total of 20, who were also qualified as language mediators. Additionally to the project activities such as networking meetings and information events, intervision for therapists and supervision for supervised peers and language mediators, a randomised controlled trial started in March 2021 to investigate the effectiveness of coordinated psychotherapeutic care involving supervised peers in comparison to standard treatment.
Since 2017, vivo international has established an innovative care model for coordinated psychotherapeutic care for refugees in the district of Constance with the involvement of supervised peers. You can read about the development of the project here.
In 2021, the group of supervised peers was expanded to a total of 20, who were also qualified as language mediators. Additionally to the project activities such as networking meetings and information events, intervision for therapists and supervision for supervised peers and language mediators, a randomised controlled trial started in March 2021 to investigate the effectiveness of coordinated psychotherapeutic care involving supervised peers in comparison to standard treatment.
The German newsletter is available
In this year’s German newsletter we would like to celebrate vivo’s 20th anniversary with some throwbacks and insights. In the portrait we present Anselm Crombach and his work in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In this year’s German newsletter we would like to celebrate vivo’s 20th anniversary with some throwbacks and insights. In the portrait we present Anselm Crombach and his work in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Family intervention to cope with sexual violence
In Burundi, vivo international e.V. is running a project in cooperation with Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi (PSF-BU), which trains psychologists in first reception centres for survivors of sexual violence in dealing with minors.
Lesen Sie weiter: Family intervention to cope with sexual violence
In Burundi, vivo international e.V. is running a project in cooperation with Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi (PSF-BU), which trains psychologists in first reception centres for survivors of sexual violence in dealing with minors.
Continue reading: Family intervention to cope with sexual violence
Fearless – Support for young refugees
Since 2020, vivo international e.V., in cooperation with the University of Konstanz and the psychotherapy training institutes in Baden-Württemberg, has been addressing the mental health of young refugees who are seeking protection and asylum in Baden-Württemberg without parents or care. Lesen Sie weiter: Fearless – Support for young refugees
Since 2020, vivo international e.V., in cooperation with the University of Konstanz and the psychotherapy training institutes in Baden-Württemberg, has been addressing the mental health of young refugees who are seeking protection and asylum in Baden-Württemberg without parents or care. Continue reading: Fearless – Support for young refugees
vivo in Brazil
Since 2020, vivo international e.V. supports the delivery of Narrative Exposure Therapy in Brazil in collaboration with the University of Konstanz and the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz).
Since 2020, vivo international e.V. supports the delivery of Narrative Exposure Therapy in Brazil in collaboration with the University of Konstanz and the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz).
vivo is 20 years old!
In April 2001, the foundation for vivo was laid in Italy. Congratulations and many thanks to all who have enriched and enabled vivo’s work over the past 20 years!
In April 2001, the foundation for vivo was laid in Italy. Congratulations and many thanks to all who have enriched and enabled vivo’s work over the past 20 years!
The project continues!
The model project to improve psychotherapeutic care for refugees enters a new phase.
The model project to improve psychotherapeutic care for refugees enters a new phase.
Setting a sign against alcohol abuse
vivo counsellors have been providing trauma-therapy in war-affected communities of Northern Uganda since 2007 mostly for severely traumatised formerly abducted children now grown into young adults with their own families. For a long time vivo counsellors had realised the vast need for also an alcohol intervention, when meeting women and children affected by domestic violence that is often linked to male alcohol consumption.
vivo counsellors have been providing trauma-therapy in war-affected communities of Northern Uganda since 2007 mostly for severely traumatised formerly abducted children now grown into young adults with their own families. For a long time vivo counsellors had realised the vast need for also an alcohol intervention, when meeting women and children affected by domestic violence that is often linked to male alcohol consumption.
Support for more than 90 women
The project to improve psychotherapeutic care for refugee pregnant women and mothers will be successfully completed at the end of April 2021.
Since 2016, vivo has offered comprehensive psychological and trauma therapy support with the help of translators. The project also includes help with referral to psychotherapists in private practice. Professionals such as psychotherapists can take part in training on the topics of recognising traumatisation, dealing with trauma consequences and their effects on the family.
The project to improve psychotherapeutic care for refugee pregnant women and mothers will be successfully completed at the end of April 2021.
Since 2016, vivo has offered comprehensive psychological and trauma therapy support with the help of translators. The project also includes help with referral to psychotherapists in private practice. Professionals such as psychotherapists can take part in training on the topics of recognising traumatisation, dealing with trauma consequences and their effects on the family.
A promising project start
Building on the first 3-year project targeting victims of gender-based violence in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the second follow-up project led by the vivo members Anselm Crombach and Amani Chibashimba aims at further reinforcing the local capacities to treat trauma-related mental health disorders.
Building on the first 3-year project targeting victims of gender-based violence in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the second follow-up project led by the vivo members Anselm Crombach and Amani Chibashimba aims at further reinforcing the local capacities to treat trauma-related mental health disorders.
Kids grow up
A successful project ends
After a project in 2006, vivo founded a small orphanage in Ethiopia. The children have now become independent young adults and vivo was able to successfully complete the project in 2020.
A successful project ends
After a project in 2006, vivo founded a small orphanage in Ethiopia. The children have now become independent young adults and vivo was able to successfully complete the project in 2020.
Funding for vivo in Burundi
We are pleased to announce that our project “Psychosocial Care for Children and Adolescents after Sexual Violence” has been selected by the Foundation for Development Cooperation Baden-Württemberg (SEZ) for funding by the state of Baden-Württemberg. Lesen Sie weiter: Funding for vivo in Burundi
We are pleased to announce that our project “Psychosocial Care for Children and Adolescents after Sexual Violence” has been selected by the Foundation for Development Cooperation Baden-Württemberg (SEZ) for funding by the state of Baden-Württemberg. Continue reading: Funding for vivo in Burundi
vivos work during the corona pademic
On our Facebook page we report what the COVID-19 pandemic has changed in different projects.
Read all articles at
https://www.facebook.com/vivokonstanz/
On our Facebook page we report what the COVID-19 pandemic has changed in different projects.
Read all articles at
https://www.facebook.com/vivokonstanz/
Support for students in uncertain times
vivo supports a school counselor`s project in Tanzania for many years. After the closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the schools are now opening again.
Lesen Sie weiter: Support for students in uncertain times
vivo supports a school counselor`s project in Tanzania for many years. After the closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the schools are now opening again.
Continue reading: Support for students in uncertain times
PTSD awareness month
June is PTSD awareness month. Since a core topic of vivo international e.V. is the treatment of trauma sequelae, we would like to present to you on facebook this month projects of our association that deal with the treatment of trauma survivors.
Follow us on facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/vivokonstanz/
June is PTSD awareness month. Since a core topic of vivo international e.V. is the treatment of trauma sequelae, we would like to present to you on facebook this month projects of our association that deal with the treatment of trauma survivors.
Follow us on facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/vivokonstanz/
News from Gulu
New therapists for Uganda and supoort from Germany
In February 2020 the vivo outpatient clinic in Gulu, Northern Uganda planned to recruit four new staff members. Therefore we trained eight candidates in the theoretical background and practical application of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). The training was supported by vivo member Dr. Ulrike Amann on her fourth yearly volunteer work-visit to the Gulu outpatient clinic.
New therapists for Uganda and supoort from Germany
In February 2020 the vivo outpatient clinic in Gulu, Northern Uganda planned to recruit four new staff members. Therefore we trained eight candidates in the theoretical background and practical application of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). The training was supported by vivo member Dr. Ulrike Amann on her fourth yearly volunteer work-visit to the Gulu outpatient clinic.
Improved care for burdened refugees
The pilot project for the support of psychologically burdened refugees, has been implemented throughout the district of Constance since the summer of 2017. The aim of the project to improve access to the health system for refugees has been successfully implemented. The project networks, qualifies and supports the existing resources in the district of Constance.
The pilot project for the support of psychologically burdened refugees, has been implemented throughout the district of Constance since the summer of 2017. The aim of the project to improve access to the health system for refugees has been successfully implemented. The project networks, qualifies and supports the existing resources in the district of Constance.
vivo in the DR Congo: a new phase begins
“Strengthening capacities in health care facilities and at the community level to improve the use of trauma therapy treatment services for victims of sexual violence” is the title of the project, which is will start in a few weeks.
Based on the experiences of the project “Training of trauma therapists to provide psychotherapeutic support to survivors of sexual violence in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo”, which ended in November 2019, the new project will strengthen existing local structures and expand the activities to new zones. Lesen Sie weiter: vivo in the DR Congo: a new phase begins
“Strengthening capacities in health care facilities and at the community level to improve the use of trauma therapy treatment services for victims of sexual violence” is the title of the project, which is will start in a few weeks.
Based on the experiences of the project “Training of trauma therapists to provide psychotherapeutic support to survivors of sexual violence in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo”, which ended in November 2019, the new project will strengthen existing local structures and expand the activities to new zones. Continue reading: vivo in the DR Congo: a new phase begins
Trauma expertise for Iran
In April an intensive training workshop on Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) was hold at the University of Isfahan, Iran. The faculty of Education and Psychology of the University of Isfahan hosted the NET workshop, which was conducted by vivo member Dr. Mina Orang.
In April an intensive training workshop on Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) was hold at the University of Isfahan, Iran. The faculty of Education and Psychology of the University of Isfahan hosted the NET workshop, which was conducted by vivo member Dr. Mina Orang.
New developments in DR Congo
In July 2016, the foundation stone was laid for the 2-year project to provide psychotherapeutic support for traumatised women and training for local trauma therapists in the Kivu region. Since then more than 170 local trauma counsellors have been trained, some of them even as supervisors and coordinators. At the end of the first two years, a further financing phase of 12 months was approved.
The almost three-year project duration was a very intensive time, which not only had to deal with the difficulties of a large project, but also with the partly uncertain security situation in the region, which did not always make it possible to visit all intervention zones regularly. In addition, there were the presidential elections at the end of 2018, which repeatedly led to unrest in the region in the run-up to the elections.
Today, the project is on solid footing. Lesen Sie weiter: New developments in DR Congo
In July 2016, the foundation stone was laid for the 2-year project to provide psychotherapeutic support for traumatised women and training for local trauma therapists in the Kivu region. Since then more than 170 local trauma counsellors have been trained, some of them even as supervisors and coordinators. At the end of the first two years, a further financing phase of 12 months was approved.
The almost three-year project duration was a very intensive time, which not only had to deal with the difficulties of a large project, but also with the partly uncertain security situation in the region, which did not always make it possible to visit all intervention zones regularly. In addition, there were the presidential elections at the end of 2018, which repeatedly led to unrest in the region in the run-up to the elections.
Today, the project is on solid footing. Continue reading: New developments in DR Congo
Project in Burundi receives an award
The vivo members Anselm Crombach and Anja Zeller received a public award for their commitment in Burundi by the Foundation for Development Cooperation Baden-Württemberg (SEZ) at this year’s „Fair Handeln“ fair on Saturday 27.04.2019 in Stuttgart. For four years now, projects of vivo international e.V. in Burundi have been supported by the SEZ. The aim of these projects has been to ensure basic psychological care for disadvantaged population groups.
The vivo members Anselm Crombach and Anja Zeller received a public award for their commitment in Burundi by the Foundation for Development Cooperation Baden-Württemberg (SEZ) at this year’s „Fair Handeln“ fair on Saturday 27.04.2019 in Stuttgart. For four years now, projects of vivo international e.V. in Burundi have been supported by the SEZ. The aim of these projects has been to ensure basic psychological care for disadvantaged population groups.
Project to support refugee pregnant women and mothers extended until 2021
We are very happy about the further support of our project for traumatized pregnant women and mothers through Aktion Mensch.
In the last three years we have been able to reach more than 50 refugees with our therapeutic offers and train more than 600 full-time and volunteers in lectures and workshops on the subject of traumatisation.
Lesen Sie weiter: Project to support refugee pregnant women and mothers extended until 2021
We are very happy about the further support of our project for traumatized pregnant women and mothers through Aktion Mensch.
In the last three years we have been able to reach more than 50 refugees with our therapeutic offers and train more than 600 full-time and volunteers in lectures and workshops on the subject of traumatisation.
Continue reading: Project to support refugee pregnant women and mothers extended until 2021
News from Gulu
Training of new counsellors in January and February 2019 completed
Our 6 newly employed counsellors are joining our existing team of 15 senior counsellors. They are all lay personnel, having work experience and education only in non-psychological fields – but all completed successfully an intense practical and theoretical training and were chosen among 10 trainees and originally 40 applicants in total. Currently they are joining the senior counsellors in their treatment sessions in order to have a more intense on-the-job learning period before they will soon start their own treatments with highly traumatised clients by war, forceful abductions and torture.
Training of new counsellors in January and February 2019 completed
Our 6 newly employed counsellors are joining our existing team of 15 senior counsellors. They are all lay personnel, having work experience and education only in non-psychological fields – but all completed successfully an intense practical and theoretical training and were chosen among 10 trainees and originally 40 applicants in total. Currently they are joining the senior counsellors in their treatment sessions in order to have a more intense on-the-job learning period before they will soon start their own treatments with highly traumatised clients by war, forceful abductions and torture.
The German Newsletter 2018
Have a look at the annual German vivo newsletter! This year, we look at vivo projects in Germany, Burundi and Tanzania.
You can access the newsletter through this link.
Have a look at the annual German vivo newsletter! This year, we look at vivo projects in Germany, Burundi and Tanzania.
You can access the newsletter through this link.
Support for refugee pregnant women and young mothers
The time of pregnancy and birth is a vulnerable time for the healthy development of the child as well as the mental and physical health of mother and child. Women who have had to flee from war and crises have an enormous strength to take care of their families under the most difficult conditions. Two and a half years ago vivo international together with Aktion Mensch started a project to support traumatized refugee pregnant women and young mothers.
Lesen Sie weiter: Support for refugee pregnant women and young mothers
The time of pregnancy and birth is a vulnerable time for the healthy development of the child as well as the mental and physical health of mother and child. Women who have had to flee from war and crises have an enormous strength to take care of their families under the most difficult conditions. Two and a half years ago vivo international together with Aktion Mensch started a project to support traumatized refugee pregnant women and young mothers.
Continue reading: Support for refugee pregnant women and young mothers
Support for the psychotrauma center
vivo, together with its local partner organisation “Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi” (PSF), plans to establish the psychotraumatology centre “Kira Agahinda” in Bujumbura (Burundi). In the past years, the team of the Psychotrauma Centre has worked mainly with street children and their families (see this link for more details). In order for the centre to manage in the long term, we need your support via crowdfunding!
vivo, together with its local partner organisation “Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi” (PSF), plans to establish the psychotraumatology centre “Kira Agahinda” in Bujumbura (Burundi). In the past years, the team of the Psychotrauma Centre has worked mainly with street children and their families (see this link for more details). In order for the centre to manage in the long term, we need your support via crowdfunding!
Goma: Successful project completion
In July 2016, the project “Assurer la formation des formateurs sur l’approche NET dans la prise en charge en sante mentale des survivants des VSBG” was launched, a two-year project in the regions of North and South Kivu. It is part of a major project of the Fonds Social de la Republique Democratique de Congo (FSDRC) with the aim of establishing sustainable care structures for victims of sexual violence with NET training and supervision in order to improve the situation of those affected in the long term.
Lesen Sie weiter: Goma: Successful project completion
In July 2016, the project “Assurer la formation des formateurs sur l’approche NET dans la prise en charge en sante mentale des survivants des VSBG” was launched, a two-year project in the regions of North and South Kivu. It is part of a major project of the Fonds Social de la Republique Democratique de Congo (FSDRC) with the aim of establishing sustainable care structures for victims of sexual violence with NET training and supervision in order to improve the situation of those affected in the long term.
Continue reading: Goma: Successful project completion
Support for refugees in Bielefeld
vivo supports the refugee outpatient clinic of the University Bielefeld
vivo and the research group for Clinical Psychology at the University of Bielefeld cooperate closely. Currently several projects are conducted with the aim to offer psychological support for affected refugees and asylum seekers.
vivo supports the refugee outpatient clinic of the University Bielefeld
vivo and the research group for Clinical Psychology at the University of Bielefeld cooperate closely. Currently several projects are conducted with the aim to offer psychological support for affected refugees and asylum seekers.
The new German newsletter has arrived
We would like to present our annual German vivo newsletter. This year, we look at the development of vivo projects in Germany, Northern Iraq and Uganda.
You can access the newsletter through this link.
We would like to present our annual German vivo newsletter. This year, we look at the development of vivo projects in Germany, Northern Iraq and Uganda.
You can access the newsletter through this link.
Exchange workshop in Rwanda
In September 2017 vivo was invited to participate in a one-week exchange workshop in Huye, Rwanda between different organisations working with persons affected by violence in (post-)conflict region of Eastern Africa, specifically in Northern Uganda, Rwanda and Eastern DRCongo.
In September 2017 vivo was invited to participate in a one-week exchange workshop in Huye, Rwanda between different organisations working with persons affected by violence in (post-)conflict region of Eastern Africa, specifically in Northern Uganda, Rwanda and Eastern DRCongo.
vivo board member Heike Riedke reports experiences in DRC
On Wednesday, June 28th 2017, Heike Riedke was invited by the German Central Office for Combating War Crimes and Other Offenses according to the Code of Crimes against International Law to a course on “International Criminal Law” to share her experiences made in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The course, which lasted several days, focused on one day on the topic of “Psychological characteristics for interviewing victims”. Based on the yearlong work experiences that vivo International has in DRC, especially in the treatment of victims of sexual violence in a civilian as well as in the war context, Heike Riedke described her experiences that she had made during her many visits and was therefore well prepared to answer the subsequent questions of the 30 participants.
On Wednesday, June 28th 2017, Heike Riedke was invited by the German Central Office for Combating War Crimes and Other Offenses according to the Code of Crimes against International Law to a course on “International Criminal Law” to share her experiences made in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The course, which lasted several days, focused on one day on the topic of “Psychological characteristics for interviewing victims”. Based on the yearlong work experiences that vivo International has in DRC, especially in the treatment of victims of sexual violence in a civilian as well as in the war context, Heike Riedke described her experiences that she had made during her many visits and was therefore well prepared to answer the subsequent questions of the 30 participants.
10-year-anniversary of vivo NET counsellors in Northern Uganda
It is an overused expression, but it really feels like “time is flying” – yes, it has been already 10 years that vivo international trained their first local lay personnel in Northern Uganda to provide NET treatment for traumatised survivors of violence and torture.
So this year we are celebrating the 10-year-anniversary of 7 senior counsellors working for vivo international in Northern Uganda.
Lesen Sie weiter: 10-year-anniversary of vivo NET counsellors in Northern Uganda
It is an overused expression, but it really feels like “time is flying” – yes, it has been already 10 years that vivo international trained their first local lay personnel in Northern Uganda to provide NET treatment for traumatised survivors of violence and torture.
So this year we are celebrating the 10-year-anniversary of 7 senior counsellors working for vivo international in Northern Uganda.
Continue reading: 10-year-anniversary of vivo NET counsellors in Northern Uganda
NET training course in Bukavu, DRC
In April 2017, 27 participants were trained in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) in Bukavu in the Eastern DR Congo. This training course is part of the project “Assurer la formation des formateurs sur l’approche NET dans la prise en charge en santé mentale des surviviants des VSBG”.
In April 2017, 27 participants were trained in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) in Bukavu in the Eastern DR Congo. This training course is part of the project “Assurer la formation des formateurs sur l’approche NET dans la prise en charge en santé mentale des surviviants des VSBG”.
Reuniting Burundian street children and their families
Since the beginning of 2016 a lot happened in Burundi. During the past year, the main work at our Centre for Psychotraumatology, “Kira Agahinda”, concerned the implementation of a project with street children of vivo international and Burundikids e.V.in collaboration with the local NGO Foundation Stamm. The project was mainly funded by the Foundation for Collaborative Development of Baden-Württemberg (SEZ). Furthermore, the successful implementation of the project depended largely on the support through crowdfunding. The main focus of the project was the reintegration of 40 children and youths by implementing different stages as part of the reintegration process.
Lesen Sie weiter: Reuniting Burundian street children and their families
Since the beginning of 2016 a lot happened in Burundi. During the past year, the main work at our Centre for Psychotraumatology, “Kira Agahinda”, concerned the implementation of a project with street children of vivo international and Burundikids e.V.in collaboration with the local NGO Foundation Stamm. The project was mainly funded by the Foundation for Collaborative Development of Baden-Württemberg (SEZ). Furthermore, the successful implementation of the project depended largely on the support through crowdfunding. The main focus of the project was the reintegration of 40 children and youths by implementing different stages as part of the reintegration process.
Continue reading: Reuniting Burundian street children and their families
Impressions from vivo’s outpatient clinic in Northern Uganda
In 2017 the vivo outpatient clinic in Gulu, Northern Uganda, is still successful and impressing us with their work.
Lesen Sie weiter: Impressions from vivo’s outpatient clinic in Northern Uganda
In 2017 the vivo outpatient clinic in Gulu, Northern Uganda, is still successful and impressing us with their work.
Continue reading: Impressions from vivo’s outpatient clinic in Northern Uganda
A big step: Goma in the DR Congo becomes permanent project location
The project “Assurer la formation des formateurs sur l’approche NET dans la prise en charge en santé mentale des surviviants des VSBG” is a two-year project in the region of North and South Kivu, which is part of a four-year large-scale project. The aim of the intervention is to train psychologists in narrative exposure therapy (NET) and to build a sustainable structure to treat victims of sexual gender based violence and to strengthen the health system of the region. This is vivo’s greatest project so far in this region.
Lesen Sie weiter: A big step: Goma in the DR Congo becomes permanent project location
The project “Assurer la formation des formateurs sur l’approche NET dans la prise en charge en santé mentale des surviviants des VSBG” is a two-year project in the region of North and South Kivu, which is part of a four-year large-scale project. The aim of the intervention is to train psychologists in narrative exposure therapy (NET) and to build a sustainable structure to treat victims of sexual gender based violence and to strengthen the health system of the region. This is vivo’s greatest project so far in this region.
Continue reading: A big step: Goma in the DR Congo becomes permanent project location
Support for pregnant and traumatised refugee women
Currently, the district of Konstanz receives more traumatised refugee women. Many of these women are pregnant or young mothers and are severely burdened. The physical as well as the psychological condition of the pregnant women is of high importance for the future physical and psychological health of mothers and children. Furthermore, mothers who experienced stress and violence often show limited parental skills.
The project is supported by the organisation „Aktion Mensch“ and aims to diagnose and treat psychological problems of pregnant or mothering refugee women. First, the women participate in psycho-diagnostic interviews at the centre of competence psychotraumatology of the University of Kontanz and vivo international. Subsequently, they can receive individual psychological counselling, treatment and referral to the support network „Frühe Hilfen“ to prevent further stress and attachment problems.
Additionally, courses and lectures for social workers, volunteers, and professionals like doctors and midwives are held to share the developed treatment approaches.
Currently, the district of Konstanz receives more traumatised refugee women. Many of these women are pregnant or young mothers and are severely burdened. The physical as well as the psychological condition of the pregnant women is of high importance for the future physical and psychological health of mothers and children. Furthermore, mothers who experienced stress and violence often show limited parental skills.
The project is supported by the organisation „Aktion Mensch“ and aims to diagnose and treat psychological problems of pregnant or mothering refugee women. First, the women participate in psycho-diagnostic interviews at the centre of competence psychotraumatology of the University of Kontanz and vivo international. Subsequently, they can receive individual psychological counselling, treatment and referral to the support network „Frühe Hilfen“ to prevent further stress and attachment problems.
Additionally, courses and lectures for social workers, volunteers, and professionals like doctors and midwives are held to share the developed treatment approaches.
Narrative Exposure Therapy for Syria
The ongoing conflict in Syria has caused the death of thousands of people and the forced displacement of millions, both within and outside the country. Nevertheless the people who remain in Syria continue to experience atrocities of war and are at high risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder. The mental health workers in Syria are also in urgent need for guidance and support that could facilitate them to treat effectively the growing number of traumatized people. Lesen Sie weiter: Narrative Exposure Therapy for Syria
The ongoing conflict in Syria has caused the death of thousands of people and the forced displacement of millions, both within and outside the country. Nevertheless the people who remain in Syria continue to experience atrocities of war and are at high risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder. The mental health workers in Syria are also in urgent need for guidance and support that could facilitate them to treat effectively the growing number of traumatized people. Continue reading: Narrative Exposure Therapy for Syria
26. June 2016 – International day in support of victims of torture
Exactly 35 years ago the general assembly of the United Nations established the first human rights fund, the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNVFVT). Nowadays the fund supports more than 170 projects every year in 83 countries and enables the rehabilitation of many children and adults, who were victims of torture.
Two of these projects are realised by vivo international, one in Uganda and one in Germany.
We thank the UNVFVT for the great support and the effort to fight torture as the severest and most prevalent violation of human rights.
For more information on the international day please follow this link.
On the occasion of the 35. anniversary of the “UN fund for victims of torture” a brochure was published with stories of victims of torture on their journey to healing and regaining their dignity. vivo contributed to this brochure. Please read more following this link.
Exactly 35 years ago the general assembly of the United Nations established the first human rights fund, the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNVFVT). Nowadays the fund supports more than 170 projects every year in 83 countries and enables the rehabilitation of many children and adults, who were victims of torture.
Two of these projects are realised by vivo international, one in Uganda and one in Germany.
We thank the UNVFVT for the great support and the effort to fight torture as the severest and most prevalent violation of human rights.
For more information on the international day please follow this link.
On the occasion of the 35. anniversary of the “UN fund for victims of torture” a brochure was published with stories of victims of torture on their journey to healing and regaining their dignity. vivo contributed to this brochure. Please read more following this link.
News from the center of psychotraumatology
The fundraising for a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi is very successful. vivo member Anselm Crombach and his team visited the Burundian colleagues and the center of psychotraumatology in March 2016.
Lesen Sie weiter: News from the center of psychotraumatology
The fundraising for a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi is very successful. vivo member Anselm Crombach and his team visited the Burundian colleagues and the center of psychotraumatology in March 2016.
Continue reading: News from the center of psychotraumatology
Happy birthday vivo!
Fifteen years ago on April 4th vivo was founded in Italy.
Happy birthday to all vivos around the world!
Fifteen years ago on April 4th vivo was founded in Italy.
Happy birthday to all vivos around the world!
Expressing the inexpressible
According to Amnesty International, torture is still practised in over 140 countries – with purported aims ranging from the extortion of confessions to attempts at demonstrating the alleged successes of criminal and political investigations. Despite these claims, however, the actual goal of the torturers is often the destruction of the victim’s personality and identity.
According to Amnesty International, torture is still practised in over 140 countries – with purported aims ranging from the extortion of confessions to attempts at demonstrating the alleged successes of criminal and political investigations. Despite these claims, however, the actual goal of the torturers is often the destruction of the victim’s personality and identity.
Reinforcement of psychological competencies in Rwanda, 3rd training
In a three-step program, Rwandan psychologists, nurses and social workers are trained in the assessment and therapy of trauma spectrum disorders. The final and largest part of the program consisted of a three-week workshop regarding the therapy of post traumatic stress disorders and aggression.
Lesen Sie weiter: Reinforcement of psychological competencies in Rwanda, 3rd training
In a three-step program, Rwandan psychologists, nurses and social workers are trained in the assessment and therapy of trauma spectrum disorders. The final and largest part of the program consisted of a three-week workshop regarding the therapy of post traumatic stress disorders and aggression.
Continue reading: Reinforcement of psychological competencies in Rwanda, 3rd training
First NET training in Tehran, Iran
In September 2015, the first NET training in Tehran, Iran took place. vivo experts organized and conducted the 3-day workshop in cooperation with the “Center for Advance Studies in Mental Health (CASMH)” located in Tehran and the “State Welfare Organization of Iran”, which is part of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare.
More than 80 students, psychologists and psychotherapists applied for our workshop and finally 49 Iranian women and men from different cities of Iran (Gilan, Shiraz, Ahvaz and Kurdistan) were admitted to the training. All participants were motivated, open and eager to learn how NET works and in which way they could integrate it into their professional life. The participants as well as representatives of the “Center for Advance Studies in Mental Health” and “the State Welfare Organisation” highly appreciated the workshop and proposed to further cooperate and to conduct an advanced NET training in the near future.
In September 2015, the first NET training in Tehran, Iran took place. vivo experts organized and conducted the 3-day workshop in cooperation with the “Center for Advance Studies in Mental Health (CASMH)” located in Tehran and the “State Welfare Organization of Iran”, which is part of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare.
More than 80 students, psychologists and psychotherapists applied for our workshop and finally 49 Iranian women and men from different cities of Iran (Gilan, Shiraz, Ahvaz and Kurdistan) were admitted to the training. All participants were motivated, open and eager to learn how NET works and in which way they could integrate it into their professional life. The participants as well as representatives of the “Center for Advance Studies in Mental Health” and “the State Welfare Organisation” highly appreciated the workshop and proposed to further cooperate and to conduct an advanced NET training in the near future.
Reinforcement of psychological competencies in Rwanda, 1st and 2nd training
In a three-step program, Rwandan psychologists, nurses and social workers are trained in the assessment and therapy of trauma spectrum disorders.
Lesen Sie weiter: Reinforcement of psychological competencies in Rwanda, 1st and 2nd training
In a three-step program, Rwandan psychologists, nurses and social workers are trained in the assessment and therapy of trauma spectrum disorders.
Continue reading: Reinforcement of psychological competencies in Rwanda, 1st and 2nd training
NET in the context of demobilisation
Since 2011 vivo international has been working on behalf of the World Bank Group with the Peace Mission of the United Nations in the eastern DR Congo (MONUSCO). The goal of this collaboration has been to provide psychological support to former combatants in order to support demobilization and reintegration efforts in the region.
Lesen Sie weiter: NET in the context of demobilisation
Since 2011 vivo international has been working on behalf of the World Bank Group with the Peace Mission of the United Nations in the eastern DR Congo (MONUSCO). The goal of this collaboration has been to provide psychological support to former combatants in order to support demobilization and reintegration efforts in the region.
Continue reading: NET in the context of demobilisation
Fundraising for a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi
vivo international and Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi aim to establish a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi to provide psychological assistance to socio-economically underprivileged individuals affected by trauma.
with vivo-member Dr. Anselm Crombach
Lesen Sie weiter: Fundraising for a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi
vivo international and Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi aim to establish a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi to provide psychological assistance to socio-economically underprivileged individuals affected by trauma.
with vivo-member Dr. Anselm Crombach
Continue reading: Fundraising for a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi
Strengthening psychological competencies in Rwanda
vivo international educates Rwandan psychologists, nurses and social workers in the assessment and therapy of trauma-spectrum disorders during a three-stage training program.
Lesen Sie weiter: Strengthening psychological competencies in Rwanda
vivo international educates Rwandan psychologists, nurses and social workers in the assessment and therapy of trauma-spectrum disorders during a three-stage training program.
Continue reading: Strengthening psychological competencies in Rwanda
Building trauma expertise for Cyprus
A sorely afflicted island takes care of refugees.
vivo-members offered the first NET-training for Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean region and layed the foundation for future collaborative projects.
Lesen Sie weiter: Building trauma expertise for Cyprus
A sorely afflicted island takes care of refugees.
vivo-members offered the first NET-training for Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean region and layed the foundation for future collaborative projects.
Continue reading: Building trauma expertise for Cyprus
Support for the school counsellor
Since 2012 vivo international supports the position of the school counsellor at a primary school with many orphans in Iringa. In order to support the school counsellor Hilder additionally and provide her with new materials, vivo (in cooperation with the primary school) found an intern for Hilder. The psychology student Sophia Backhaus, who already had some experience in school counselling, traveled to Tanzania to support Hilder in her work.
Since 2012 vivo international supports the position of the school counsellor at a primary school with many orphans in Iringa. In order to support the school counsellor Hilder additionally and provide her with new materials, vivo (in cooperation with the primary school) found an intern for Hilder. The psychology student Sophia Backhaus, who already had some experience in school counselling, traveled to Tanzania to support Hilder in her work.
NET down under
In 2015 Narrative Exposure Therapy has once again reached Australia.
In 2015 Narrative Exposure Therapy has once again reached Australia.
News from the orphans in Ethiopia
During a business trip in March 2015 to southwestern Ethiopia, Heike Riedke, treasurer of vivo international paid a visit to the orphans in Awassa.
Some of the orphans had already finished their college’ degrees, some of them are still in school. Heike Riedke had the opportunity to meet most of the orphans in person and to talk to them.
During a business trip in March 2015 to southwestern Ethiopia, Heike Riedke, treasurer of vivo international paid a visit to the orphans in Awassa.
Some of the orphans had already finished their college’ degrees, some of them are still in school. Heike Riedke had the opportunity to meet most of the orphans in person and to talk to them.
Assembly on mental health in Gulu
10 Years Anniversary of vivo in Northern Uganda!
vivo international is looking back on 10 years of providing and improving mental health services in Northern Uganda. We are using this occasion to host a general assembly on mental health in Gulu on the 20th of October 2015. We will discuss and share accomplishments, challenges and visions with our cooperating partners, practitioners, researchers and scholars. Please click here for the invitation details.
10 Years Anniversary of vivo in Northern Uganda!
vivo international is looking back on 10 years of providing and improving mental health services in Northern Uganda. We are using this occasion to host a general assembly on mental health in Gulu on the 20th of October 2015. We will discuss and share accomplishments, challenges and visions with our cooperating partners, practitioners, researchers and scholars. Please click here for the invitation details.
Aid for refugees at Lesbos
Two vivo members from Norway, Merethe Hellen and Hakon Stenmark, took part in a mission to the greek island Lesbos to investigate the conditions of refugees arriving at the island. Whilst larger aid agencies provided help in the refugee camps in the largest city, Mytilini, there was no support for the arriving refugees on the rest of the island.
Two vivo members from Norway, Merethe Hellen and Hakon Stenmark, took part in a mission to the greek island Lesbos to investigate the conditions of refugees arriving at the island. Whilst larger aid agencies provided help in the refugee camps in the largest city, Mytilini, there was no support for the arriving refugees on the rest of the island.
vivo starts in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
In 2015 vivo international started working in Côte d’Ivoire. After years of heavy political crisis most people in the country enjoy once more a relatively calm life. But – as in so many countries around the globe – sexual violence against children and women continues to be rampant. The NGO SOS Violence Sexuelle supports victims of this violence in one of Abidjan’s most diadvantaged districts. vivo international has greatly enhanced the expertise of SOS’s highly motivated employees by conducting a training for several weeks.
Lesen Sie weiter: vivo starts in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
In 2015 vivo international started working in Côte d’Ivoire. After years of heavy political crisis most people in the country enjoy once more a relatively calm life. But – as in so many countries around the globe – sexual violence against children and women continues to be rampant. The NGO SOS Violence Sexuelle supports victims of this violence in one of Abidjan’s most diadvantaged districts. vivo international has greatly enhanced the expertise of SOS’s highly motivated employees by conducting a training for several weeks.
Continue reading: vivo starts in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
Life after the catastrophe
vivo international offers psychological support and trauma therapy to victims of a flood disaster in Bujumbura, Burundi.
vivo international offers psychological support and trauma therapy to victims of a flood disaster in Bujumbura, Burundi.
A new school counsellor
After two years of excellent work our school psychologist Getrude left us for further studies. Her work at the school strenghtened her interest in the work with children and she wants to deepen this interest in master studies. But before she departed, she supported her replacement with her start at the school. The psychological work is going to be continued by Hilder Humphrey, who studied counseling psychology.Sadly, we say good-bye to Getrude and happily, we welcome Hilder!
After two years of excellent work our school psychologist Getrude left us for further studies. Her work at the school strenghtened her interest in the work with children and she wants to deepen this interest in master studies. But before she departed, she supported her replacement with her start at the school. The psychological work is going to be continued by Hilder Humphrey, who studied counseling psychology.Sadly, we say good-bye to Getrude and happily, we welcome Hilder!
Center of Excellence for Psychotraumatology
An innovative Center of Excellence for Psychotraumatology has been established by the University of Konstanz, Department of Psychology, at the Chair of Clinical Psychology and Chair of Clinical and Neuropsychology, situated at the Centre for Psychiatry Reichenau, Germany. The research clinic collaborates with vivo and focuses on the treatment of refugees who have suffered traumatic events. The present initiative of the clinic is supported by the European Refugee Fund/ Europaeischer Fluechtlingsfonds/ EFF, which aims to assist refugees who have come to Germany seeking asylum, many of whom suffer from post traumatic stress.
Follow the link to find out more.
An innovative Center of Excellence for Psychotraumatology has been established by the University of Konstanz, Department of Psychology, at the Chair of Clinical Psychology and Chair of Clinical and Neuropsychology, situated at the Centre for Psychiatry Reichenau, Germany. The research clinic collaborates with vivo and focuses on the treatment of refugees who have suffered traumatic events. The present initiative of the clinic is supported by the European Refugee Fund/ Europaeischer Fluechtlingsfonds/ EFF, which aims to assist refugees who have come to Germany seeking asylum, many of whom suffer from post traumatic stress.
Follow the link to find out more.
Fighting the war in the minds – Trainings in Narrative Exposure Therapy
vivo international has more than a decade of experience in training local personnel in conflict- and post-conflict areas to deliver trauma-focused therapy (Narrative Exposure Therapy) and similar methods. In October 2013 vivo organized two trainings in trauma therapy in the Kivu regions in Goma and Bukavu. The aim of vivo was to enable local staff in this war-affected region to help traumatized people in need.
Lesen Sie weiter: Fighting the war in the minds – Trainings in Narrative Exposure Therapy
vivo international has more than a decade of experience in training local personnel in conflict- and post-conflict areas to deliver trauma-focused therapy (Narrative Exposure Therapy) and similar methods. In October 2013 vivo organized two trainings in trauma therapy in the Kivu regions in Goma and Bukavu. The aim of vivo was to enable local staff in this war-affected region to help traumatized people in need.
Continue reading: Fighting the war in the minds – Trainings in Narrative Exposure Therapy
Facts and Numbers for the „vivo outpatient clinic for survivors of violence and trauma“ in Gulu
Since April 2011 the vivo outpatient clinic in Gulu, Northern Uganda is a steady service provider for the rehabilitation of chronic trauma-related mental health problems of survivors of violence and trauma during the war and in the post-conflict society.
Since April 2011 the vivo outpatient clinic in Gulu, Northern Uganda is a steady service provider for the rehabilitation of chronic trauma-related mental health problems of survivors of violence and trauma during the war and in the post-conflict society.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the Kivu Provinces
To get an insight into what has been learned from the work with ex-combatants in the Democratic Republic of Congo to date, please follow the link to find a report on the work in progress.
To get an insight into what has been learned from the work with ex-combatants in the Democratic Republic of Congo to date, please follow the link to find a report on the work in progress.
Preventing harmful punishment in the upbringing of children
In Tanzania corporal punishment and other forms of harmful punishment are very common and still lawful both in the family and at school. A representative national survey has shown that three quarters of Tanzanian adolescent have experienced physical violence and one quarter have experience emotional abuse during their upbringing. vivo international has found similar results in a cross-sectional study of more than 400 Tanzanian primary school students. Furthermore, we found that family violence, emotional neglect, and corporal punishment at school affected the psychological well-being of these children severely. Furthermore, school achievement and cognitive abilities were negatively influenced by harmful punishment.
Lesen Sie weiter: Preventing harmful punishment in the upbringing of children
In Tanzania corporal punishment and other forms of harmful punishment are very common and still lawful both in the family and at school. A representative national survey has shown that three quarters of Tanzanian adolescent have experienced physical violence and one quarter have experience emotional abuse during their upbringing. vivo international has found similar results in a cross-sectional study of more than 400 Tanzanian primary school students. Furthermore, we found that family violence, emotional neglect, and corporal punishment at school affected the psychological well-being of these children severely. Furthermore, school achievement and cognitive abilities were negatively influenced by harmful punishment.
Continue reading: Preventing harmful punishment in the upbringing of children
vivo’s vision in Uganda
vivo provides evidence-based psychological treatment to the most vulnerable. Through interventions on the individual and systemic level vivo works to stop violence and enable peace. Watch vivo staff members Anett Pfeiffer and Laura Achan say more about vivo’s vision in Uganda (filmed and edited by Helle Harnisch).
vivo provides evidence-based psychological treatment to the most vulnerable. Through interventions on the individual and systemic level vivo works to stop violence and enable peace. Watch vivo staff members Anett Pfeiffer and Laura Achan say more about vivo’s vision in Uganda (filmed and edited by Helle Harnisch).
Our work in Gulu Prison
Since October 2012 vivo is also working in the prison of Gulu. The approximately 700 male inmates and approx. 300 female inmates are also often formerly abducted by the LRA and suffer as well from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The mental health well-being of the inmates is also influenced by the long pre-trial detention times (Uganda has too little personnel, e.g. only a few judges responsible for capital offences) and the general poverty: the inmates are dependent on their relatives to provide for food and legal fees.
Since October 2012 vivo is also working in the prison of Gulu. The approximately 700 male inmates and approx. 300 female inmates are also often formerly abducted by the LRA and suffer as well from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The mental health well-being of the inmates is also influenced by the long pre-trial detention times (Uganda has too little personnel, e.g. only a few judges responsible for capital offences) and the general poverty: the inmates are dependent on their relatives to provide for food and legal fees.
Treating the victims of gender based violence
Sosame is a psychiatric hospital situated in Bukavu, in the South-Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The hospital is managed by the “Brothers of Charity“ (“Frères de la Charité“) and treats people with severe mental illnesses from the whole province. The people who are seeking help here have hallucinations, are depressed, drug addicted or traumatised.
Lesen Sie weiter: Treating the victims of gender based violence
Sosame is a psychiatric hospital situated in Bukavu, in the South-Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The hospital is managed by the “Brothers of Charity“ (“Frères de la Charité“) and treats people with severe mental illnesses from the whole province. The people who are seeking help here have hallucinations, are depressed, drug addicted or traumatised.
Continue reading: Treating the victims of gender based violence
Psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence
In our work in Northern Uganda, vivo recorded alarmingly high rates of acts of gender-based violence: More than 80% of the female clients who had received trauma-focused treatments through vivo reported at least one sexual assault during their lifetime. Some of these traumatic sexual experiences took place during the war, but even in the post-conflict society sexual assaults towards women and children are on the rise. To provide psychotherapeutic support to survivors of gender-based violence, vivo was funded by the UN (namely the UN Peace Building Fund via UNFPA) in the framework of the project “Strengthening the Multisectoral Approach to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response” from April 2011 until June 2012. In the course of this project, vivo offered a wide range of psychological support for traumatised children and women, which included psychodiagnostic assessments, trauma-focused therapy, solution-focused and resource-oriented counselling, family mediation and follow-up visits.
Lesen Sie weiter: Psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence
In our work in Northern Uganda, vivo recorded alarmingly high rates of acts of gender-based violence: More than 80% of the female clients who had received trauma-focused treatments through vivo reported at least one sexual assault during their lifetime. Some of these traumatic sexual experiences took place during the war, but even in the post-conflict society sexual assaults towards women and children are on the rise. To provide psychotherapeutic support to survivors of gender-based violence, vivo was funded by the UN (namely the UN Peace Building Fund via UNFPA) in the framework of the project “Strengthening the Multisectoral Approach to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response” from April 2011 until June 2012. In the course of this project, vivo offered a wide range of psychological support for traumatised children and women, which included psychodiagnostic assessments, trauma-focused therapy, solution-focused and resource-oriented counselling, family mediation and follow-up visits.
Continue reading: Psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence
School counsellor supports primary school children in Tanzania
In spring 2012, a team from vivo international started a large-scale survey on the psychological health of children at a primary school in Iringa, Tanzania. Iringa is one of the Tanzanian regions that is most affected by HIV/AIDS. vivo international supports the St. Dominic Savio Primary School, a project supporting orphans due to HIV.
Lesen Sie weiter: School counsellor supports primary school children in Tanzania
In spring 2012, a team from vivo international started a large-scale survey on the psychological health of children at a primary school in Iringa, Tanzania. Iringa is one of the Tanzanian regions that is most affected by HIV/AIDS. vivo international supports the St. Dominic Savio Primary School, a project supporting orphans due to HIV.
Continue reading: School counsellor supports primary school children in Tanzania
Training in trauma therapy for local counsellors
Atrocities and brutal crimes, exerted by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) have recently spread from Northern Uganda to the neighbouring countries where they cause large-scale humanitarian suffering. Specifically in the border regions to South Sudan and the Central African Republic children in DRC experience massive brutality and forced abductions. The LRA criminals kidnap minors and force them under life threat to fight their own people, carry heavy loads through the bush or serve as sex slaves – often children and youth have to kill their own families in order not to be killed themselves.
Lesen Sie weiter: Training in trauma therapy for local counsellors
Atrocities and brutal crimes, exerted by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) have recently spread from Northern Uganda to the neighbouring countries where they cause large-scale humanitarian suffering. Specifically in the border regions to South Sudan and the Central African Republic children in DRC experience massive brutality and forced abductions. The LRA criminals kidnap minors and force them under life threat to fight their own people, carry heavy loads through the bush or serve as sex slaves – often children and youth have to kill their own families in order not to be killed themselves.
Continue reading: Training in trauma therapy for local counsellors
From soldier to civilian: Demobilising the mind
For over a year vivo international has been collaborating with a centre for youth and adolescents in Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The centre offers adolescents who are affected by the war social support and a vocational training in order to give them a new perspective on their future. The adolescents receive a one-year training, support from social workers and help with job-seeking. The centre supports many former child soldiers. The former child soldiers were minors when they joined an armed group; today they are adolescents and young adults who are trying to find their way into civil life. However, this journey is a rocky road, many of them have difficulties integrating. Many of them suffer from traumatic experiences and can be irritable and violent. Hence, they can only partially benefit from the reintegration programme and some do not complete it successfully.
Lesen Sie weiter: From soldier to civilian: Demobilising the mind
For over a year vivo international has been collaborating with a centre for youth and adolescents in Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The centre offers adolescents who are affected by the war social support and a vocational training in order to give them a new perspective on their future. The adolescents receive a one-year training, support from social workers and help with job-seeking. The centre supports many former child soldiers. The former child soldiers were minors when they joined an armed group; today they are adolescents and young adults who are trying to find their way into civil life. However, this journey is a rocky road, many of them have difficulties integrating. Many of them suffer from traumatic experiences and can be irritable and violent. Hence, they can only partially benefit from the reintegration programme and some do not complete it successfully.
Continue reading: From soldier to civilian: Demobilising the mind
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.
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.
Housing project for HIV/AIDS orphans in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries of the world. Already in 2004 it was home to 3.9 Million orphans. While many organizations are providing food, clothes and schooling for these children, vivo’s focus is on the psychosocial needs of these children to ensure their healthy mental development. Back in spring 2006 vivo interviewed more than 100 children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS living in Awassa, in Southern Ethiopia. Beside symptoms of grief, many children living in so-called foster families were suffering from ongoing maltreatment and were exploited by their foster families as servants. Therefore additionally to the implementation of trauma and grief counselling structures for orphans, vivo also engaged in awareness raising activities against child abuse and maltreatment in the community and provided training for local counsellors, grandparents and foster families on ‘positive parenting’.
Lesen Sie weiter: Housing project for HIV/AIDS orphans in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries of the world. Already in 2004 it was home to 3.9 Million orphans. While many organizations are providing food, clothes and schooling for these children, vivo’s focus is on the psychosocial needs of these children to ensure their healthy mental development. Back in spring 2006 vivo interviewed more than 100 children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS living in Awassa, in Southern Ethiopia. Beside symptoms of grief, many children living in so-called foster families were suffering from ongoing maltreatment and were exploited by their foster families as servants. Therefore additionally to the implementation of trauma and grief counselling structures for orphans, vivo also engaged in awareness raising activities against child abuse and maltreatment in the community and provided training for local counsellors, grandparents and foster families on ‘positive parenting’.
Continue reading: Housing project for HIV/AIDS orphans in Ethiopia
Violence in the family: Support for affected families in Northern Uganda
Beyond the grievous consequences of war for the individual, exposure to violence on a societal level profoundly disrupts the family system. Loss of family members, psychological suffering of individual family members, high rates of alcohol abuse and the detachment from traditional social support systems such as the extended family adversely affect family relationships. As a consequence families that
have been living through war are at a high risk for family violence even after the war has ended. Children growing up with violence in the family continue to suffer and are vulnerable to develop long-lasting emotional and behavioural problems.
Lesen Sie weiter: Violence in the family: Support for affected families in Northern Uganda
Beyond the grievous consequences of war for the individual, exposure to violence on a societal level profoundly disrupts the family system. Loss of family members, psychological suffering of individual family members, high rates of alcohol abuse and the detachment from traditional social support systems such as the extended family adversely affect family relationships. As a consequence families that
have been living through war are at a high risk for family violence even after the war has ended. Children growing up with violence in the family continue to suffer and are vulnerable to develop long-lasting emotional and behavioural problems.
Continue reading: Violence in the family: Support for affected families in Northern Uganda
Sri Lanka – a country shattered by war and natural disaster
In Sri Lanka’s North-Eastern provinces, traumatic experiences were already common prior to the Tsunami in December 2004. For two decades, thousands of people have been killed and many more were displaced as a result of conflict and violence in the country. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) have been fighting for political autonomy, which resulted in ongoing conflict in the Northern and Eastern areas of the country. Civilians have become casualties of war; landmines and unexploded ordnance posed a constant threat; hospitals and schools have been destroyed; and the economy has been shattered.
Lesen Sie weiter: Sri Lanka – a country shattered by war and natural disaster
In Sri Lanka’s North-Eastern provinces, traumatic experiences were already common prior to the Tsunami in December 2004. For two decades, thousands of people have been killed and many more were displaced as a result of conflict and violence in the country. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) have been fighting for political autonomy, which resulted in ongoing conflict in the Northern and Eastern areas of the country. Civilians have become casualties of war; landmines and unexploded ordnance posed a constant threat; hospitals and schools have been destroyed; and the economy has been shattered.
Continue reading: Sri Lanka – a country shattered by war and natural disaster
vivo starts up in Congo
Violence against civilians is rampant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s War. Women and girls are raped on a daily basis and their life is determined by the fear of being victimized. The women and girls, who have survived rape are often left stigmatized and physically and psychological injured for life.
Violence against civilians is rampant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s War. Women and girls are raped on a daily basis and their life is determined by the fear of being victimized. The women and girls, who have survived rape are often left stigmatized and physically and psychological injured for life.
Psychosocial support system for 600 youths in Northern Uganda
In close collaboration with the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Youth Education Pack (YEP), vivo started up the development of a long-term psychosocial support system which has so far reached 600 war-affected youths in vocational training centres all over Uganda’s war-torn North. YEP supports most severely affected learners, many of them formerly abducted child soldiers, within ten vocational trainings centres. Within the YEP program learners are enabled to learn practical vocational skills and catch up on academic education in order to reintegrate better within their communities after their return home.
Lesen Sie weiter: Psychosocial support system for 600 youths in Northern Uganda
In close collaboration with the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Youth Education Pack (YEP), vivo started up the development of a long-term psychosocial support system which has so far reached 600 war-affected youths in vocational training centres all over Uganda’s war-torn North. YEP supports most severely affected learners, many of them formerly abducted child soldiers, within ten vocational trainings centres. Within the YEP program learners are enabled to learn practical vocational skills and catch up on academic education in order to reintegrate better within their communities after their return home.
Continue reading: Psychosocial support system for 600 youths in Northern Uganda
Rwandan psychologists trained by their own peers
vivo has been engaged with Rwandan survivors of genocide, still suffering from trauma-related consequences, since 2006. An important component was the training of a group of Rwandan psychologists by vivo experts in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), during the autumn of 2007. Eighty-six genocide victims were randomly assigned into a treatment and a waiting list control group. Under expert supervision, the Rwandan therapists conducted 6 sessions of NET and 2 sessions of IPT and social interventions, each taking between 90 and 150 minutes. All 37 treatments were completed with great success and the participants improved considerably, observed in the reduction of symptoms of trauma, grief, and depression (effect size for the reduction of trauma symptoms: d= 0.66 at 3 month post-test and d= 1.48 at 1 year follow-up).
Lesen Sie weiter: Rwandan psychologists trained by their own peers
vivo has been engaged with Rwandan survivors of genocide, still suffering from trauma-related consequences, since 2006. An important component was the training of a group of Rwandan psychologists by vivo experts in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), during the autumn of 2007. Eighty-six genocide victims were randomly assigned into a treatment and a waiting list control group. Under expert supervision, the Rwandan therapists conducted 6 sessions of NET and 2 sessions of IPT and social interventions, each taking between 90 and 150 minutes. All 37 treatments were completed with great success and the participants improved considerably, observed in the reduction of symptoms of trauma, grief, and depression (effect size for the reduction of trauma symptoms: d= 0.66 at 3 month post-test and d= 1.48 at 1 year follow-up).
Continue reading: Rwandan psychologists trained by their own peers