Children and trauma

I spent on week in camp with teenagers inspiring them to Rebel against systems and mindset that makes them feel inadequate to maximize their potentials. This teenagers have lost their fathers as a result of crisis, Boko haram, and Fulani herdman attack. As a result of what these teenagers have been through, most of them still carry resentment, unforgiveness, and pains. Some of them engage in drug abuse, unruly behavior, and the likes all in a bid to avert these feelings they carry.

The camp sessions and activities helped alot of them to begin to see life differently. Most of them realised that their trauma is real and letting go of the bitter emotions they bear is the first step towards healing. I was able to share my own personal story of how I overcame the trauma of abuse I faced as a teenager.

This experience gave me an opportunity to reminisce on how adults dismiss traumatic experiences of young people as nothing. They forget that they are humans too with feelings. It is imperative to note that as we visit camps and communities of people affected by riot, crisis or attack trauma healing programs should include children and the youths. Trauma is not selective...it affects everyone irrespective of age, gender or race. #traumahealingforyoungpeople#