Many refugee children and young people are directly affected by trauma, or have to deal with the trauma suffered by their parents or care takers. The effect of the traumatic experiences can be very debilitating, and going to school can be particularly stressful for these young people, as many struggle with concentration and memory problems, language difficulties, speech and literacy issues, and other problems associated with learning.
In June 2009 STARTTS launched a pilot program in collaboration with two local primary schools, to trial the effectivess of the Fast ForWord program. 10 students aged between 9 and 12 years who had difficulties with learning, and were referred to STARTTS for counselling due to issues related to learning difficulties, poor impulse control, anxiety, depression and symptoms of trauma, participated. The results of the pilot project will be illustrated, as well as a case study that will be used to demonstrate the effects the program had on a refugee child.
Recorded at the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS)
09 November 2011, New South Wales, Australia.
Visit STARTTS at : www.STARTTS.org.au
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