Psychological First Aid for Children training programme concludes

AMMAN — Under the Project of Enhancing Community Level Intervention of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Children and Adolescent including Refugees supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, a training programme titled Psychological First Aid for Children (PFA-C) was concluded.

A four-day Training of Trainers (ToT) for the PFA-C, from March 29 to April 1, 2021, targeted 10 technical staff from Ministry of Health and other 10 staff from the Ministry of Education, according to a joint statement from the organisers.

Following this ToT, the 20 trainers will roll out this training to field staff under both ministries all over the Kingdom. I

In response to urgent needs of children’s mental health and psychosocial wellbeing, JICA has commissioned implementation of the PFA-C to Save the Children Japan in partnership with Save the Children Jordan. A part of the PFA-C module has been reviewed and tailored by taking into consideration the impact of COVID-19 and its unique context in Jordan, the statement said.

Experts from World Health Organisation (WHO) and Japan carried out extensive sessions via online while Save the Children Jordan facilitated the in-person sessions.

“We praise the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education’s efforts to support children’s mental health and psychosocial issues through the implementation of the PFA-C in this very challenging time.  In times of crisis, children are also one of the most affected segments within the community. Due to COVID-19, children had to stop going to school leading to reducing peer communication and interaction that play a vital role in the emotional development and wellbeing,” said Miyahara Chie, Chief Representative of JICA Jordan Office.

“We hope that this training helps in supporting the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education in mitigating the psychological impact of COVID-19 on children,” the JICA representative said.

Director of Persons with Disability and Mental Health at the Health Ministry Malak Al Ouri said: “We present our deep appreciation to JICA for supporting the implementation of the PFA-C. Children are the future builders thus their wellbeing and psychological status is the first important stone towards having a good citizenship.”

Sami Mahasis, Director of Education Directorate, said:  “We highly value this training that came in line with the needs and strategy of the Ministry of Education. Knowing PFA-C is designed not only to support children but also help educators and caregivers to support themselves, we believe the knowledge and skills acquired would be much beneficial for those who communicate children on a daily basis.”

Diala Khamra, CEO of Save the Children Jordan, said:  “We are very pleased to contribute to this programme that helps achieve the best interest of children and primarily addresses their psychological well-being, especially during such exceptional and difficult times. Providing support and protection for children is at the core of our mission. We believe in the importance of collaboration in supporting children's mental health.”

“We thank the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education for their strong belief in the role that mental health plays in children's lives,” Khamra said.