Federation social workers who came back from Minyang gave graphic accounts of terrible devastation and a million or more displaced people living in makeshift tents. Everyone wants to help but although temporary housing is going up it could be many years before permanent reconstruction takes place. For some villages it may never happen. Meantime psychological trauma takes long term toll on the victims.
The urgent question is how to facilitate sustained efforts by social workers and volunteers, well equipped with the guidelines and skills they need to work with the people in shelters and temporary housing areas. |
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An expert team including a member of Federation staff has recommended a 3-year plan to the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau. HKFYG social workers would like to work with their Shanghai counterparts, using manuals that we are compiling on psychological support services, counselling, life skills, community services, volunteer training and management. These skills will be transferred to frontline workers who can speak the local Sichuanese dialects, offering practical advice, guidance and comfort to those in need.
We need your help and support for this essential follow-up action. Please contact Bonnie, tel 3755 7100 and offer what you can. |