Psychosocial support for Typhoon Yolanda victims

Most of the efforts during the past months were focused on designing and launching Phase 3 of IsraAID's mental health program.

Specifically, monthly activities included:

July:

• 3rd stage pilot program in collaboration with the department of education was designed and approved including pre evaluation.  The pilot program will be facilitated to 4 classes, between 45-50 participants each class. We chose 4 different grades in 4 different schools.
• Meetings with local government heads were held to assess needs.
• 4 External MHPSS activities held during the month to a total of 95 participants.
• PSS support provided to the Nirvana boat capsizing survivors.

August:

• 3rd stage pilot program in collaboration with the department of education was implemented during the month on a weekly basis in 4 public schools. The 3rd stage pilot program is being facilitated to 4 classes, between 16-45 participants in each class. We chose 4 different grades in 4 different schools. Class advisers of each class are assisting facilitators during the activities.
• The core team facilitators are IsraAID's trainees from 1st and 2nd stages, from the department of education (and 1 from the department of social welfare) and they are assisted by class advisers in the classes where the activity is being held.
• 3rd stage pilot Pre evaluation report, activity reports and post evaluation questionnaires were formulated.
• Class advisers and facilitators report on great student progress, as they are more engaged in the activities, they have opened up and learned to share, support and be supported by the class. They also report that the students are eager to participate and to continue with the activities on a regular basis.
• Additional collaborations with Ibasho, OCCCI, Magis and the department of health were explored and are in planning process.

September:

• 3rd stage pilot program in collaboration with the department of education was implemented and completed during the month including post evaluation and the subsequent reports.
• Coordination of the expansion program to 25 schools with the department of education.
• Preparation for MAGIS seminar and 3rd stage training on MHPSS with children and youth,
• Exploration and discussion re potential collaborations with Ibasho and the social welfare department of Tacloban.

October:

• 3rd stage pilot program in collaboration with the department of education was implemented and completed during the month including post evaluation and the subsequent reports.
• Coordination of the expansion program to 25 schools with the department of education.
• Preparation for MAGIS seminar and 3rd stage training on MHPSS with children and youth,
• Exploration and discussion re potential collaborations with Ibasho and the social welfare department of Tacloban.
• Pre and post evaluation results already submitted together with activity reports. Still working on a summary report comparing pre and post results.

November:

• Preparation for and co facilitation of a 1 day seminar, in collaboration with MAGIS and other partner organizations, on managing burnout and self-care through the Expressive Arts
• Preparation, coordination and implementation of 2 training seminars to the 3rd stage facilitators (supervisors) and teachers from the department of education on MHPSS work with children and youth.
• designing the expansion of the 3rd stage to 20 schools in Ormoc and creating teams of supervisors and teachers to work together
• Started analysis of the 3rd stage trainings evaluations –still in progress.
• Preparation, coordination and implementation (Amos and Mae) of 2 MHPSS activities at 2 institutions for youth at risk in Ormoc.
• Further exploration and discussion re potential collaborations with social welfare department of Tacloban.

The initial feedback on the Phase 3 pilot are extremely positive, with full data and results available early 2016.