(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Nazareth, Israel, were able to provide scholarships and psychosocial support for youth thanks in part to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project was funded through the Don Bosco Network with support given by several Salesian organizations including Salesian Missions.
Through the project, Salesians provide scholarships to 106 students who are enrolled at the Salesian School in Nazareth. They were also able to provide 78 hours of psychosocial support to 50 staff and around 170 young students (grades 1-6) affected by war and unrest in the area.
The scholarships were provided to students, including 39 female students, in the form of school fee deductions. The students are from families severely impacted by the broader socio-economic challenges affecting the Arab community in Israel, many of whom experienced job loss, business closures and reduced income as a result of the conflict.
To most effectively provide the psychosocial support, Salesians utilized a train the trainer model to train the school staff and teachers, focusing on psychosocial awareness and support strategies for students affected by conflict. The training consisted of three sessions, each lasting two hours, and aimed to equip educators with practical tools to recognize and respond to signs of emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma in students.
A Salesian explained, “The sessions covered topics such as the psychological impact of war on children, creating trauma-sensitive classrooms, effective communication techniques and educator self-care. Through interactive activities and group discussions participants enhanced their understanding and developed practical approaches to apply in their classrooms. The training empowered teachers and staff to serve as peer leaders within the school, promoting a supportive and resilient learning environment for all students.”
Two psychologists were also brought in to provide direct psychological support. The psychologists helped students address a range of mental health concerns, with a focus on trauma-related conditions such as anxiety, depression and emotional distress. The sessions enabled students to process their emotions, develop coping mechanisms and regain a sense of normalcy.
The Salesian noted, “Through this multifaceted support, Salesians not only prevented student dropouts during an incredibly difficult time but also fostered a more resilient school community, better equipped to handle future challenges.”
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Source:
Salesian Missions
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