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Counseling services in Vanni schools

Such counseling services are being planned for all the schools in Vanni. Initially these centers will be established in one school in an area and will serve all the schools in the area. Though one in each school is desirable given the psychological stresses faced by the students, availability of skilled staff and other resources limits it at present.

Mr P Murukesu, Zonal Education Office teacher advisor speaking at the opening ceremony said that these centers will raise awareness among students about the psychological stresses that affects them thus enabling them to seek assistance. He added that these centers will belong to the schools as well as the villages that are served by the centers.

School students in war time in Vanni face many psychological traumas. Death of friends and relatives, fear of bomber planes flying overhead, being forced seek safety in the rudimentary bunkers, shortages of educational equipment and facilities, economic hardships faced by their parents all subject the school students to many forms of trauma.

Students at Kanakapuram MV school have faced an aerial bombing just two months ago when they scattered in panic as shrapnel from bombs fell inside their school and one of their school mate was injured. Many of the students remain traumatized by this.

It is hoped that the counseling service inside the schools will help the students deal with their traumas without allowing it to affect their education and growth.

14 April 2008

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