Sikka Archives and Library Office holds trauma healing for children through literacy activities

The Literacy Team of the Sikka Regency Archives and Library Service (Disarpus) has held trauma healing sessions for primary and junior secondary school children affected by the Flores earthquake at the Gelora Samador Maumere evacuation site through various literacy activities.

Head of the Sikka Regency Disarpus, Very Awales, said on Tuesday that the trauma healing activities represent one form of government concern for the psychological condition of children amid the disaster situation.

“Children are a group that needs special attention in situations like this. Through literacy activities packaged in a fun way, we want to help them become cheerful again, reduce fear and anxiety, and provide space for children to play and learn together,” he said.

According to him, literacy is not only related to reading and writing activities, but can also serve as a means of rebuilding children’s spirit, creativity, self-confidence and psychological resilience after experiencing a disaster situation.

He explained that the trauma healing activities were carried out through various age-appropriate activities, such as educational games, reading story books, storytelling, singing and other creative activities.

Very added that the activities were led directly by the Secretary of the Sikka Regency Archives and Library Service, Yuvensius Rafael, together with the Sikka Disarpus Literacy Team.

“We mobilised the Disarpus Literacy Team to be present directly among the child evacuees. This is part of government service, not only meeting the physical needs of disaster-affected communities, but also providing attention to psychosocial needs, especially for children,” he explained.

He expressed hope that the trauma healing activities can help children get through the difficult post-disaster period with greater strength and maintain their enthusiasm for learning.

“We want children to keep smiling, keep reading, keep playing and keep having hope. A disaster may make us pause for a moment, but it must not extinguish children’s spirit to continue learning and achieve their future,” he said.